*Warning - this ones long *

We came home from the hospital with baby Jonah on Saturday.  Monday I noticed, he wasn’t waking up as often and he was looking really jaundice.  I had taken him to his pediatrician so he could check him out.  They ordered blood work to be done and told us they would call and let us know what they find, if anything. 

At around 5, I received a call from Jonahs Dr.  He told me that Jonahs bilirubin levels were really high and we needed to take him to the local hospital to be admitted.  We decided I would stay at the hospital with the baby and my husband would make sure we were settled, then come home to try to maintain some normalcy in Noahs routine.  

In the car ride there, we hardly said a word. “What are you thinking ?”  I asked my husband. “Scared”, he said. “Yeah, me too”.  That was the gist of our conversation.  I had a million thoughts running my mind.  Jonah was in the back, sleeping in his car seat, silent.  Every stop light lasted for an eternity.  I just wanted to get there.  I wanted to have the baby with professionals that could make him OK.  My nerves were shot.  I didn’t know what was going on and I was trying to make sense of it with minimal sleep.

When we got to the hospital, admissions was closed.  We had to go to the ER for them to admit us.  As we waited, my husband took Jonah out of his car seat and held him on his chest.  He is so loving with our kids.  It broke my heart to see the look on his face while the baby nestled in his neck.  

They called me over to answer questions regarding insurance, etc.  I then see this lady peek her head around the corner.  The second I saw her I recognized her.  She’s a mom at school. “Hey, it’s me, Mary.”  I don’t remember if I responded or not.  The tears started pouring down my cheeks uncontrollably.  She walked out from behind the desk and sat in the chair next to me.  ”If you need anything, I’m here until 10:30.”  that one little phrase made me breathe again.   I don’t really know this woman.  I see her in car line, at school functions.  I only know her as Mary Katherines Mom.  I couldn’t even tell you what her last name is.  I can tell you that, that one little exchange was my lifeline.  If she only knew how comforting just seeing her face was.  If she only knew the weight and worry those words took off my shoulders.  

Each day I try to find something I am grateful for. Last night, she was it.  I thanked God for “Mary Katherines Mom”.

You never know what kind of a day someone is having.  So, when you can, offer a smile or some kind words.  You may just be their lifeline.