Afton’s Angels
One year ago today, our little Afton returned to heaven. So many emotions on this day. Wanting to do something in her honor with the help of our families, we organized Afton’s Angels. We wanted to provide service in some way. We knew that something involving the NICU would be the perfect place to help.
As now a 2-time NICU mom with both of my girls (Avery and Afton), I know what an emotional experience it can be. No matter what your situation. As the mom, you forget to take care of yourself. Simple things like a small tissue pack and gum because your mouth is so dry from crying would have been so nice on certain days. I have been in communication with the NICU parent support director at the Utah Valley NICU where both of my girls were, and they had a need for these little NICU Survival kits to encourage the parents to come to a quick class on making it through the NICU.
Yesterday I was able to deliver 100 NICU emotional survival kits to the NICU, hopefully the first of many. It was the first time I had been back to the 5th floor of the hospital since the day we said goodbye to our little Afton one year ago (today). Right when I got up to the fifth floor with the big boxes loaded up in a wheelchair. I couldn’t hold back the tears. Oye!
I knew I wanted to deliver them this week, but I didn’t think I would be so emotional. Thankfully both the gals who I have been working with completely understood.
If you have a friend who has a baby in the NICU, a kit like this would be a nice way to let them know you are thinking about them.
NICU Emotional Survival Kit:
– a pack or tissues
– a pack of gum
– a chapstick
– a snack (pretzels of cheez-its)
– a little notebook and a pencil
Sometimes it’s the little things like this that come in so handy, especially the little snack, because you forget to eat.
I hope that we can make this an ongoing thing. Sharing the love we have for our baby girl with many who may be in a similar situation.
My sweet friend April Kennedy sent over this great quote from my favorite talk during this last LDS General Conference. She had Diana Smith of Livy Love Designs help design this pretty print.
I love it! I loved that talk and I love this beautiful reminder to be of good cheer because I know that we will be with our Afton again.
You too can download the printable PDF here. (thank you girls!)
