One of the many benefits of working in the NICU at Sunnybrook is that every day you see proof of how kind people can be. This is true throughout the year, but becomes especially pronounced during the holidays. It is endlessly amazing how even when people are so busy with their own families and responsibilities, they still find time to think of others.
For example, a couple of days ago a graduate family dropped by with boxes and boxes of baked goods to give to staff and to families. They wrote a beautiful card which ended with: “Take a cookie or two (or six) and have a happy moment! All our good wishes and prayers are with you.” Thank you, you lovely people, for taking so much time to bake and put together these thoughtful (and yummy) gifts. We hope you know how much they were appreciated. (Plus your baby is absolutely delicious. Just had to add that!)
Last Thursday, we had two very special guests in our NICU. Anke Flohr provides spiritual care at Sunnybrook, and Helen Chang-Dawson is a music therapist in our Veterans Centre. They were inspired by a quote from Pliny the Elder that is featured on a wall in our NICU: “Hope is the pillar that holds up the world”. They brought together parents in our unit with music and a wreath of hope. We wrote our hopes for our children and ourselves on tags which we attached to the wreath. It was an utterly beautiful, peaceful and healing experience. Afterwards a mother wrote to say, “I didn’t know how much I needed that, until I had it.” Helen and Anke, you brought us peace, beauty and hope. Thank you, and we wish for you those same gifts that you gave us.
And finally (for now) … there is something about NICUs that inspires crafty and artistic people to creative heights. The little animal on the left was knitted by an aunt of one of our nurses. She made enough stuffed animals that we can give one to every baby in our unit. The little hat on the right was made by a grandma of one of our graduate babies; in addition to these adorable gingerbread men hats, she did snowman hats, fancy sparkly white and pink hats, and miniature Santa hats that are just the right size for our little people. We are so grateful!
Stay tuned … we have more stories of generosity, creativity and kindness to share with you.
