Wait, what...NICU

Being a NICU mom is something that no one wishes for or should ever have to experience, but to us this is part of our story, our journey and I am beyond thankful for the people that were part of our lives.  Yesterday I was able to attend a social for NICU graduates.  We saw some of our favorite nurses and doctors, and got to be with other amazing NICU survivors.  Tiny and Mighty precious nuggets that have fought hard since second one to live and be here.  
Anyway, yesterday was a new awakening.  As we looked around we saw just how lucky we were for the journey that we have had.  Our 32 weekers could have had a much different story.  A story that involves a lot more than what we have had to give.  We did our nicu time and if we chose we could have left it in our rearview mirror and moved on.  As i tend to do I wanted to learn from the experience and never forget where we came from.  Is that right or wrong, I do not know, but I do know for the boys they should know.  They need to be around the love that is our NICU family.  Of course you have to know that I totally volunteered to be part of the parent crew that also has the same feelings as myself.
I do know of many that wanted nothing to do with the people who were there with them.  They then want no one to remind them of the days after their children were born.  In fact some will never acknowledge the presence of the NICU staff and other parents that were right there with them.  And that is ok.  That is just not the choice that we made.  We wear our NICU flag with pride to show that we lived, learned, and survived and thrived.  That all of the people became part of our family forever.  That this is not what defines us, but what makes us stronger.  
There is my ramble.  What do you think?  Should be live and learn and let it go?  Should I keep enforcing to my kids that this is their story and they should embrace it.  That our favorite nurses are and always will be part of our family?  Have a wonderful day.  Celebrate what was NICU Nurses Day and NICU Awareness Month.  

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