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!