By Cathy Chapaty
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.”
Amazing work Cathy
Thanks, Susan.
Painfully beautiful
Thank you, Nan.
Thank you for this. We lost two premmies. I want to write for them and it is so hard. Thank you
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.
Touching is all I can really say, and I think all that needs to be said.
Thank you, David.
Beautiful work, Cathy.
Thanks, Anna.
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.
Glenn, I hear you. I volunteer to rock for three hours every Wednesday night. Some nights are really hard.
Well, my heart just got broken. Wow!
Based on a true story. 🙁 Thanks for reading.
This is stellar flash writing! Wow!!
Thanks, Jen.
Beautifully written, Cathy.
Thank you, Marjan. Appreciate the kind words.
Poignant. Well done!
Thanks, Jeff!
Heartbreaking and beautiful story.
Thanks for the kind words, Brian.
Beautiful, Cathy!
Thank you, Carolyn.