It's the little things

You know how people say, "Don't sweat the small stuff?"  While we were definitely sweating the big stuff during bed rest, it was the "small stuff" that encouraged us and helped us through each day.  There are a million examples of things and people God sent us right when we needed it most. 

Good nurses:  Some of our nurses were about so much more than the job.  Most had kids of their own and felt tremendous empathy for us.  It is true that no one can truly understand what we were going through besides people who went through it themselves, but the nurses were close.  A few were clearly Christians, and not afraid to share their faith when asked.  One in particular, Sarah Mockaitis, became like my best friend in the hospital.  We would talk about both of our lives, she brought me movies, would visit even when not assigned to us, made jokes that actually made me laugh, found and posted a drawing of "Mr. Spangler" one of his kids had done so that he was "always there".  I hope to remain friends, but for a stranger to get you through such a hard time with a smile (sometimes), means the world.

Other nurses that made an impact:  Sarah Gore and her fish tatoo, Kristen Cowden and her smiles, Erika with her faith and ongoing support, Mandy who called Trent Princess, Janelle with her witty stories of her son, and so many more.

Kindness from strangers:  One day, Trent was getting a Coke from the free! "nutrition room", when he ran into a random guy.  He and Trent got to talking, and it turns out he and his wife go to our church!  Not only that, Josh shared with Trent, after hearing our situation, that he and his wife, Courtney, had lost twin boys at around 24 weeks and were now in the hospital at 31 weeks with preterm labor of twin girls, and if he could, he would like to come pray with us.  So he came into our room and we all held hands and prayed for Gabriel, for his girls and for the strength it takes to get through times like these. 

Family:  Those that know my family expect them to be 110% supportive and overly pushy when it comes to having faith and believing in miracles.  Well, they didn't disappoint.  My mom was just what I needed....a prod when I thought I couldn't lay there one more second.  My dad just came and was "there".  They both did these ridiculous dances...seriously it was the only thing I would laugh at.

Also forever supportive were my brother and sisters, who came for movie-nights (even if I had taken my Ambien!) and Friends-days.  It meant a lot even if it was just TV watching.

Trents family was incredible too.  They often came to visit and brought ANYTHING they thought we would need or possible want, including tons of food, gossip magazines, Mallow cups!, gifts, cards, etc etc.  Trents aunts and mom sent so many cards, the people at the hospital thought I was famous or something.

Friends and coworkers:  Although I mostly discouraged visits from friends for infection reasons (and obvious reasons - this was depressing), many of them came anyway or sent flowers, magazines, books to read, gifts, food, etc.  There was an outpouring of love and support, even down to my coworkers donating PTO so that I would get paid while I was off.  That brought on the waterworks.  Talk about the exact thing we needed exactly when we needed it.  Never to be forgotten.  Other friends would invite Trent over for dinner to just get him out of the sadness for a few hours....