by Janelle L. Awls
I was one of the smallest creatures on the Earth
At 29 weeks-it was perfect timing for my birth
1lb. 10oz. was my weight
No one knew my fate
I fought for my life night and day
Strong and mighty many of the doctors and nurses would say
I came out breathing on my own
You’re a miracle-that’s what I’m told
Two months was my stay in the NICU
From an incubator was my view
I got my milk through a feeding tube
Sometimes it felt like I was in a cube
As I got bigger and began to grow
I moved to another room-that was good to know
I am 8-years-old today
What can I say?
I love to sing, dance and play
I love to celebrate my birthday in May
God had a plan for my life
When he made me, he didn’t think twice
As a baby, I was in the palm of the master’s hand
Just like footprints in the sand
He leads me.
He guides me.
I’m courageous.
I’m unstoppable.
Taylor in the NICU at ProMedica Toledo Children’s Hospital 2012 
Taylor with her dad in the NICU on Father’s Day 2012 
Taylor 2020! 
Taylor making a gingerbread house for a math project for school. She is a hands on learner!
Life is like a game of chess. Everything that we are going through is in God’s plan. Every move we make and every step we take, God is right beside us. He has strategically mapped out our lives. He has you right where you are for a specific purpose.
Although, we are in the midst of a global pandemic, God is still working miracles. It is in times of crises when our faith is tested. My faith was tested in 2012, when my daughter was born prematurely. My husband drove me to the hospital the first Sunday in May. I stayed one month. I delivered my daughter at 29 weeks (1lb. 10oz.), due to preeclampsia.
Taylor left the NICU on July 31, 2012. She weighed 4lbs. Taylor received home visits from Help Me Grow, when she came home. We learned about this program in the NICU. Through faith and prayer, we hope that Taylor blossoms into a flower.
She enjoys playing with her younger brother, Tyler. Taylor is making progress every step of the way. As I reminisce about my premature baby, it definitely was a long road to get us to this place in our lives. Each day is still a new day.
Hebrews 11:1 (KJV) says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
You might not see God working in your life right now. Hold on. He is with you. He is with your child. He cares about you. Keep the faith!
Janelle L. Awls is the author of “Got Faith? GAME ON! A 31-Day Faith Devotional to Keep You Moving in the Right Direction in the Midst of a Global Pandemic.” The book was released August 2020. The book’s website: www.gotfaithgameon.com.
She is a graduate of the American University School of Communication (‘06 B.A., ‘08 M.A.) in Washington, D.C. She resides in Toledo, Ohio.
Share This Post...