I have been thinking a lot about my life in the context of premature birth. It may be because I’m currently reading For the Love of Babies by Sue Hall, a neonatologist writing about her experiences treating preemies and other sick babies.
Today I also came across a writing prompt for PTSD survivors, to write to yourself before any trauma occurred. Since my trauma started right with my NICU experience, and I’m over most PTSD symptoms now, I will instead write to my baby self reassuring her that things’ll be okay in the end.
Little baby, born too soon
You feel so insecure
But let me tell you, you’ll be fine
Of that I am sure
You are too young to realize
That you are here to stay
In this world that may be harsh
You will be okay
Times are hard on you, you feel
So often in pain
If you could tell me, would you say
That your life is in vain?
I will tell you, it is not
Your life is worth the fight
I am your older self and feel
That you and I came out alright
Some people may think of you
That you should not survive
But guess what, you did exactly that
And I am here and thrive
You will have many hardships ahead
But please persist and cope
I will wait here to remind you
Not to give up hope