When the World Turns Upside Down

At some point, for many of us, our world is turned upside down. Usually this is a short-term journey and often to do with our health or that of our family. No-one goes untouched in these situations as family and friends do what they can. For some it is too much to even see you, afraid of what they should or should not say, or even fearful that they may not have the words to say anything.

It was almost two years ago now that this image appeared in my web browser:

Yes, a friend is pictured in the background with his baby girl born at 30 weeks. The pre-Facebook world had us in that same situation. As we had not been in touch for some time it seemed that to pray for the best possible outcomes would be the best thing we could do until we were able to re-connect after the hard journey of parenthood at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit had passed and the next chapter opened.

In the weekend that has just passed we have been touched in the same way once more. This time a young man, born at 27 weeks gestation, has entered our lives. Already he has made an impact on friends and family as they consider what they can do to reach out and support his parents at a time when they need the space to process all that is happening and the events that brought them to this place.

There have been many ideas thrown around about how to practically support them. Meals are an obvious need, as I expect washing clothes would be too for the first-time Mum who would want to be by her baby's side as much as possible. Other suggestions have also included supporting the immediate family with meals also to free them up to be there for emotional support and to also bring something regular to bless the NICU nurses who are entrusted to care this little baby's life. The question is, what else can be done? If you have any ideas then please let me know!

Image Source: Rusty's Bleeding Edge Page