The cry of a newborn baby is painful to hear, especially when it never seems to end. Even the most skilled caregivers can find themselves overwhelmed and out ideas as the tears flow on and on, and peace and stillness feel far, far away.
We are quite familiar with inconsolability at Maddie’s Place. I would say it has built up a strong tenacity in every individual here to keep those struggling babies close in our arms until their little bodies settle down again.
However, there was one baby who came through our doors that was particularly difficult to calm down.
Let’s call her Baby M.
Baby M had a tough first month of life. She left most staff baffled as to how to console her.
Only two methods worked. A staff member would either bounce with her on an exercise ball in a dark room or wrap her up in a blanket for some skin to fuzz contact.
Seeing her resting by the latter always brought a smile to my face whenever I walked into the nursery.
All while Baby M was recovering, her biggest supporters were fighting their own battle on their journey to recovery.
Meet Miranda and Jessie, Baby M’s mom and dad.
While Baby M lived here at Maddie’s Place, Miranda and Jessie resided at Rising Strong, a drug-treatment and housing program through Catholic Charities Eastern Washington.
Their love for their baby girl was strong from the get-go, and they found themselves visiting as much as they were able, while at the same time healing and equipping themselves to be the best parents they could be.
There was something special about their obvious affection for their little girl.
Their love for Baby M was not just evident in their words, but in action. They pursued her with every bit of strength they could muster. They held her close, despite her endless cries. They sacrificed invaluable time with her to provide her with the space to rest after a difficult day.
It was a pleasure to chat with them every time they came through the lobby. I always admired their intentionality with Baby M and this sweet, sweet love they had for her.
As Baby M started gaining more strength, Miranda and Jessie would take turns spending the weekend at Maddie’s Place to start practicing 24/7 care.
That’s when the staff in the nursery got to see their love in action.
Miranda and Jessie’s gentle care, acute attentiveness, and quiet strength blew us away as we watched this family bond.
Slowly but surely, Baby M improved, growing into a strong and healthy baby.
So, when the time came for her to discharge this past week, everyone experienced their own array of emotions. I’d say the general feeling was one of deep gratitude and awe.
To watch the course of a family’s life change is indescribable, and a thrill to play a role in.
Questions? Suggestions? Email me at emma.jones@maddiesplace.org
This blog was posted on September 22, 2023.