World Prematurity Day, is a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and the sometimes devastating impact it can have on families. To mark this day, The Motherload wanted to share this beautiful poem, written by Cristina Melluzzi, a member of The Motherload Facebook group, for her niece Ava who was born prematurely.
Ava The Brave
The day you were born,
They were broken and torn, fearful of all the unknown.
A desperate cry, I watched her weep,
My sister’s pain, no woman should keep.
They sat and waited, watching through a lens.
A plastic box, a tiny hand.
Wires and tubes, your fierce pumping chest,
It wasn’t fair, was this a test?
Some days were filled with joy,
When they moved you closer to home,
I watched their happy faces,
From the screen of my phone.
Your incubator was moved,
To a town where you lived,
We thought it was over,
That everyone could breathe.
Mummy and Daddy,
They fought for your life,
They studied, they listened,
At times filled with strife.
A hundred days passed,
And still you were there,
Floor 6 in the NICU,
Still under their care.
Your cousins hadn’t met you,
It all seemed unreal,
Till one special day,
When they walked through the door.
Little Ava, finally home,
A miracle came true,
We all held you closely,
We already knew.
We knew you were special,
From the moment you arrived,
It’s something unique,
Deep down inside.
Your happiness beams,
Like a warm ray of sun,
Your laughter, your character,
You’re just so much fun!
You were meant to be here,
And that is for sure,
You’re Ava the brave,
Forever more.
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World Prematurity Day, is a global movement to raise awareness of premature birth and the sometimes devastating impact it can have on families. You can read more about World Prematurity Day on the website for Bliss the premature baby charity.
If you can spare a few pounds, please sponsor Ava’s dad in the London Marathon.
www.virginmoneygiving.com/RunningforAva
Image credit: Della Melluzzi-Watts