There are some stories that can only be described as miraculous. Judah Liesch’s is definitely one of those. Arriving on the scene exactly 100 days before his due date, Judah sent 184 total days in two separate neonatal intensive care units before he was finally able to go home (a few extra medical supplies in tow) to his 3 siblings and incredible parents. Today, he is a growing and happy 2 year old with Cerebral Palsy that keeps his entire family on their toes!
Judah’s inspiring mom, Jenna, was gracious enough to share with us some thoughts on what you can do to help support a loved one with a child in the hospital. She said, “If you know anyone going through any kind of trauma with a child, offer yourself in whatever way that you can, that would be a blessing to THEM. Offer to take their kids, make them meals, buy them coffee, drive them to the hospital... make yourself available as much as you can!”
What did people say to you that was helpful while you were in the hospital, pregnant with Judah, and while he was in the NICU?
When we were in our early days of praying for Judah while he was still in my tummy (we were in and out of the ER over 9 times before my water finally broke at 19 weeks!), I remember my Pastor encouraging me to believe for the best, rather than dread the worst. We can choose our thoughts! Just after Judah was born, I had a friend who had also gone through a NICU journey, and she encouraged me to just take it one day at a time. Those words became my motto! We also choose to keep the right perspective through everything that we were needing to do just to get Judah home with us. I remember telling myself, and his doctors, that we just want him to come home- no matter how long it took, or how we were bringing him home (he came home on 24-hour oxygen and CPAP/respiratory support, which came with 8 hours a day of nurses too!), what mattered was that we got to actually bring him HOME.
We know people mean well, but they don't always say the most helpful things. Were there certain things said to you that were hurtful?
Oh yes... I think in general, people mean well, but words can hurt! I remember people saying things like 'everything happens for a reason' which was so NOT helpful when you have a sick kid in the hospital! Another example of 'hurtful words' would be people making empty promises. I had people promise us meals, which made me so excited and feel so thankful, only to find out they weren't going to come through on those promises! If you say it, then do it!
Were there any specific acts of service that were especially meaningful to you or your family during the time Judah was still in the hospital?
The BEST acts of kindness that we received while in the hospital with Judah was COFFEE!!! We received so many Starbucks gift cards- enough so that we were able to grab a good cup of coffee every morning before heading into the hospital. It felt like 'forced' self-care, and was so good for me. I would say to others- find out what that mom loves/needs-what would be a treat for her- and do that thing! For me (and I think for most sleep-deprived moms of newborns!) it was coffee!
Again, good intentions don't always come across as helpful. Has there been any actions from others that have been hurtful to you or your family?
There was a time or 2 where people forgot to include Judah in our family functions, just because he was in the hospital. For example, at Christmas, gifts were given to the other kids, and none for Judah. It was something I didn't take offence over, but it did make me realize that he needed to be included. We feel this now too, that he is pretty bound to his stroller/wheelchair, but do our best as his immediate family, to include him in everything so that we can be an example to our extended family and friends.
Here at Presentlee, we know that it can be hard to know how to help a loved one when they have a child in the hospital. We want to thank Jenna for taking the time the give us some wonderful suggestions from her perspective of what we can do and say to help. To see what Jenna, Judah and the rest of the Liesch gang is up to, and to learn more about their inspiring story, visit her website at http://www.jennaliesch.com/, or her Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/jennaliesch/.
Each Christmas, the Liesch family donates gift bags to the babies and parents in the two NICUs where Judah spent time. Last year they delivered 50 gifts, and this year they plan to deliver over 100! If you would like to know more about how to help with this generous endeavor, click here.
Gift Ideas for someone with a child in the hospital:
0 comments:
Post a Comment