Friday, April 23, 2010

In Loving Memory...


I cannot believe this blog has taken me so long to write.
For that, I apologize.

As some of you may know/remember, we received a lovely note from Paula Fortunas with the TMH Foundation letting us know there was going to be a memorial plaque, for Esme, placed in the NBICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit) at Tallahassee Memorial... Todd, the Triple Trouble and I have been so looking forward to making a visit.

So, during Todd Jr's Spring Break, a couple of weeks ago, we made the trek to Tallahassee.
We left at 6:30am CST because our meeting was at 10:00am EST.
Timing was Perfect.
We were met at the TMH Foundation office by Paula Fortunas and Judi Taber, these ladies were both so kind to take time out of their OUTRAGEOUSLY busy day to spend time with us.
Their big fundraiser of the year was that evening, but you would not have known it, they were patient, kind and helpful.

We were hoping to see some of our very special friends family while we were there, but I had not done a very good job getting in touch with them prior to our arrival.
No worries, Paula and Judi had taken care of that.
These ladies are two of the most amazing and special people in the world!

That is Donna right next to me and Grady. 
She delivered Todd Jr, Esme and Grady. 
(We were in Alabama when Grant joined our gang!)
She took such good care of us during all our pregnancies and was such a support to us after we lost Esme.
She stayed extremely patient during my pregnancy with Grady and I think I got to "see" him on a weekly basis:)
Thank you Donna!  We love you so much.

That is Sharon right behind me.
She was our Labor and Delivery Nurse when we had Esme.
You know, I still don't really know how she ended up with us... I have always been suspicious of Donna on this one.  But, she was amazing... she never left our side... Even hours after her shift was over... Sharon herself knows and truly understands the loss of a child, something, I wish we did not have to share... we have been close friends ever since.

I was overwhelmed with emotion to see them both, it had been too long!

Not only were Donna and Sharon there, but Dr. Truman, one of Esme's doctors and some of the Nurses in the NBICU at the time!

We were very excited to get a tour of the new NBICU.
When Esme was born, the NBICU was one large room where all the babies were kept together.
Imagine that!
Nice Robes, huh?
There are individual rooms now or just two to a room.
This allows for better care, especially if a baby is sensitive to any sort of stimulation, etc.
There are nesting rooms for parents to be able to stay at the hospital with their babies after they have been discharged.  Private areas for pumping for nursing babies.
Offices for the nurses, so they don't have to be distracted by administrative tasks while caring for the babies.
It is truly a wonderful facility.
But what is really amazing are the people.
I imagine all of the Doctors and Nurses who work with critically ill babies wish there were no need for their positions.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Your heart must be big, and while illness can be emotional for anyone, parents of a sick baby feel out of control, full of questions and utter despair.

And while we were not able to bring our Esme home, we are so thankful for the support, sincerity and care that was extended to all of us at Tallahassee Memorial.
We are proud to make our donations each year to the hospital for the NBICU in Esme's name.
Todd and I are especially honored by the plaque... showing again that in 5 short days, you can still make your mark on the world... and forever in our hearts.
2010
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Inc.
and its Foundation
Recognize and Salute
Natalia and Todd Harris
For their generous donations to the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at TMH
In Loving Memory of their Daughter
Mallory Esme Harris
February 23-28, 2004
To make a donation:
You can go to

or

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Foundation
1331 East Sixth Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32303

If you wish, please be sure to designate the funds for the Neonatal/Newborn ICU
in memory of Mallory Esme Harris

Thanks!

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