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Life in Three Minutes

October 9, 2018

Life in Three Minutes
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The NICU’s tiniest patient was silent and still, attached to a half-dozen tubes and wires. In place of the baby’s name on a placard were the thick, black letters ‘DNR.’

Nina cradled and rocked her baby, singing “Happy Birthday” and the ABCs, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, then humming “Pomp and Circumstance.” She moved an invisible gold tassel from one side of an imaginary cap to the other.

Slowing her rock in a chair needing WD-40, Nina swallowed hard.

“Such promise.”

She kissed her baby’s forehead in tears, praying for reincarnation.

“Come back again,” she whispered, “and stay longer next time.”

— Cathy Chapaty

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan Acevedo says

    October 9, 2018 at 7:13 am

    Amazing work Cathy

    • Cathy Chapaty says

      October 9, 2018 at 8:10 am

      Thanks, Susan.

  2. Nan Plate says

    October 9, 2018 at 7:43 am

    Painfully beautiful

    • Cathy Chapaty says

      October 9, 2018 at 8:11 am

      Thank you, Nan.

  3. Mark Reels says

    October 9, 2018 at 7:46 am

    Thank you for this. We lost two premmies. I want to write for them and it is so hard. Thank you

    • Cathy Chapaty says

      October 9, 2018 at 8:15 am

      Oh, Mark. I’m so sorry. I rock babies in a NICU, and I see the pain and the struggle. Sending you gentle, loving chi from Texas.

    • David says

      October 9, 2018 at 8:37 am

      Touching is all I can really say, and I think all that needs to be said.

      • taekwondocathy says

        October 9, 2018 at 9:45 am

        Thank you, David.

  4. Anna says

    October 9, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Beautiful work, Cathy.

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 9, 2018 at 9:46 am

      Thanks, Anna.

  5. Glenn Bowman says

    October 9, 2018 at 9:08 am

    Decades past I worked as a lab tech in a big city hospital. I cemented my soul and could do it all, but suiting up to enter the infant ICU always crushed my heart, and I quickly changed careers. For those with the courage to stay and continue the fight I say bless your souls and Amen.

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 9, 2018 at 9:47 am

      Glenn, I hear you. I volunteer to rock for three hours every Wednesday night. Some nights are really hard.

  6. cascondaville says

    October 9, 2018 at 9:14 am

    Well, my heart just got broken. Wow!

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 9, 2018 at 9:49 am

      Based on a true story. 🙁 Thanks for reading.

  7. Jen HQ says

    October 9, 2018 at 9:29 am

    This is stellar flash writing! Wow!!

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 9, 2018 at 9:49 am

      Thanks, Jen.

  8. Marjan Sierhuis says

    October 9, 2018 at 2:29 pm

    Beautifully written, Cathy.

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 9, 2018 at 2:46 pm

      Thank you, Marjan. Appreciate the kind words.

  9. Jeff Stone says

    October 9, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    Poignant. Well done!

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 10, 2018 at 10:06 am

      Thanks, Jeff!

  10. Brian says

    October 9, 2018 at 9:25 pm

    Heartbreaking and beautiful story.

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 10, 2018 at 10:07 am

      Thanks for the kind words, Brian.

  11. Carolyn Counce says

    October 14, 2018 at 2:07 pm

    Beautiful, Cathy!

    • taekwondocathy says

      October 15, 2018 at 7:11 am

      Thank you, Carolyn.

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