Survival Mode Parent - Been There, Done That!

Survival Mode Parent is a new organization that I wish had been around last year when Austin was in the NICU & PICU. Austin's stay in the NICU at birth was short, probably too short, but that's another story for another day. His PICU stays were much longer and if I had not had my mother there to help me I would have gone insane. At the time, I was a single mom, working full time, lived 45 minutes from the hospital and to top it off I lived 1400 miles away from all my family and friends. Talk about a nightmare situation!

Luckily, my mom was willing and able to travel 1400 miles, virtually overnight, to come and live with Austin in the hospital so I could go to work. I spent every evening after work traveling 60 miles (round trip) so that I could spend about 2 hours with Austin before he fell asleep.



Needless to say, my fridge was perpetually empty and my laundry in piles by the end of every week. And this dragged on for weeks and weeks. My tax consultant couldn't believe the amount of miles I claimed on my return last year, but sure enough it all added up. We adapted and it became routine, but there is nothing normal about driving to and from a hospital every day to visit your 3,4,5 month old son. It wears on you, physically, financially & emotionally.

So naturally, I was so very excited to hear about Survival Mode Parent. YOU can volunteer to help out parents whose children are in the NICU or PICU. These parents are living their own worst nightmare daily, they need help with everyday living situations; maybe a babysitter for siblings, someone to walk their dog, or a warm meal delivered. You can decide on your level of involvement, but take it from someone who has been there & done that, these people need your help!!

How can you say 'No' to this face?





Thanks for peeking,