by an anonymous mother
Jerusalem, February 2015
It is with a heavy heart that I’m writing you this thank you note. As you know my precious baby girl passed away six days before she turned a month old. Although we were all prepared for her not to live a long life, we definitely were not expecting it to be this short, especially with the new diagnosis we had been given. Yet, such is life.
A constant reminder of things we can and cannot control. Countless times I was told to abort while pregnant, that her life expectancy was very short, if anything at all. For whatever reason, I held on to the hope that whatever was meant to come from her life, no matter how short, would be for good. And good it was indeed.
I was shown a generosity and kindness that I can’t properly express in words. Inside Shaare Zedek, there was no Palestinian/Israeli struggle. You all did your jobs like angels sent from G-d. My child was not shown any less love than the sweet Jewish boy next to her. You smiled and loved my daughter like any other child being cared for. You all have restored my belief in the goodness of humanity, which we are all working for the betterment of our children. Our daughter was named according to the Arabic word for faith, and it’s exactly what gives meaning to our lives. Even in the darkest days, it’s our belief in faith that things will get better, that we can handle our sorrows, and overcome the obstacles we face.
If I could thank each of you individually, trust me that I would. I grew so accustomed to seeing you all more than my own family. You will never fully know the appreciation I have for the job that you do. There is a bond that grows between you all and the parents in the NICU, no doubt about it. So if I happen to see you around sometime, don’t be surprised if I stop you to say hello! After all, you were such a huge part of my life and for that I will forever be grateful.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kindness you not only showed me, my husband, and my family…but for your unrelenting support and encouragement you gave to my precious baby girl, Faith.
Sincerely yours,
N.N.