I could give you the dictionary definition of strength but here’s what it really is:

It is entering the NICU to meet your child, not knowing what to expect. Strength is seeing your baby surrounded by cords and wires and monitors and still wanting to bond with them. It is waiting to hold your newborn and doing everything, anything you can do for them in the meantime. Strength is walking out of the hospital empty handed with a heavy heart. Strength is answering the question, “when are they coming home?” for the millionth time to people who clearly do not understand the situation. Strength is crying, like REALLY crying, in your car on the drive to the hospital to visit your infant and walking in like you didn’t. Strength is voicing your concerns to the doctors and nurses and advocating for your family. Strength is not knowing what tomorrow brings but still making plans.

You want to know what TRUE strength is…

It is YOU, sweet NICU Mama.

You showed strength when you show up for your family day after day. You showed strength when you took care of yourself and rested. You showed strength by simply BEING, my dear.

In the moments you feel at your weakest, remember… you are strong. Not because the world sees you as that, though they do. Not because your friends and family tell you are, no matter how well intentioned. Not because you received an email from a fellow NICU mom saying you are.

You are strong because strength cannot be measured in ounces or pounds, as your NICU warrior has already shown. You are strong because strength is proven in the choices you make daily to keep going even when you think you can’t.

I know you don’t feel strong. But Mama, you are.

Much love,