Imagine finding out that you're pregnant with your first baby at 20 years old
Imagine telling your father that you're pregnant and he thinks you should consider terminating your pregnancy because he says a baby would ruin your life
Imagine him also telling you when you're almost 2 months pregnant "You know, it's not too late to get an abortion. The baby isn't really a baby yet."
Imagine wanting to kick his face in!!
Imagine having a brother who treats you like crap during your pregnancy because your fiance is of a different race and he doesn't like him for that reason alone and now he's going to have a bi-racial niece or nephew and he has a problem with that also
Imagine going into labor at 21 weeks and the doctor tells you that he could see your baby's toes while he performed the surgery to stop the baby from coming
Imagine being on bed rest for two weeks after the surgery
Imagine going into labor again at 23 weeks but this time the baby can't be stopped
Imagine having a beautiful 1 pound 4 ounce baby girl and seeing her for 2 seconds before they rush her down the hall to the NICU
Imagine 2 hours later the doctor tells you that your daughter is not stable and that you should come and see her right away
Imagine him telling you that it's a good idea for your family members to see her too
Imagine all your family is right by your side… supporting you 100% (what a wonderful feeling)
Imagine the same brother who stressed you out during your pregnancy sees your baby for the first time and runs out of the NICU and down the hall in tears
Imagine thinking that you're fiance is a really strong man because you don't see him cry only to find out from his mom that he's been crying on her shoulder when you're not around
Imagine having to leave your baby in the hospital and then your first day home the hospital calls you to tell you that your baby has just coded
Imagine your fiance not being able to leave work so you can go to the hospital because he's the only manager at his job that day
Imagine having to ask your brother who's treated you like crap for the past 4 months to take you to the hospital and he complains for 10 minutes before saying yes
Imagine going back to work 1 month after having your baby because you don't have any leave left and your first day back everyone comes over to your desk and asks to see pictures of the baby
Imagine going into the restroom and crying and then coming back out hoping that your co-workers won't notice the puffiness under your eyes
Imagine being afraid to bond with your baby because you're not sure if she's going to make it and you feel this way for the next 2 months
Imagine holding her for the first time when she's 2 months and 2 days old
Imagine your baby staying in the NICU for 115 days
Imagine your baby coming home one day before Mother's Day
Imagine that being the best Mother's Day gift anyone could ask for
Imagine today this baby is beautiful and healthy
Imagine this baby has changed her parent's lives forever, making them look back and realize that they never thought they could love anybody this much
Imagine not being able to picture life today if your baby had not survived
Imagine every time your daughter smiles and hugs your face, you feel like you've just won a million dollars
Imagine looking at your daughter sometimes and wanting to cry because you can't believe she's here and she's healthy
Imagine crying at night because you start thinking about everything you've been through
Imagine thanking GOD for being a wonderful GOD!!!!
Shauna, mother of Alysha (DOB 1-16-01, former 23 weeker, now 9 months old)