Thomas Nathan Guillen Junior – May 16th 2010

tng-jr

 

Monday May 10th, 2010. Thomas Nathan Guillen Jr was born at 24 weeks and 5 days. I went into preterm labor and delivered Baby Tommy via C-Section. It was so scary and so shocking that if you saw a movie about the day you would think it was incredibly unrealistic. But Tom Sr was there by my side the whole time, assuring me that soon we would have our beautiful son and we’d make it. Baby Tommy weighed 1 pound 14 ounces and was 13 inches long. A big boy for less than 25 weeks! Tom Sr sneaked out to get a peek at him and came back to report: “He’s very cute, he looks like me”.

 

When the surgery was over and they brought me to recovery we were elated. My baby was born alive! Tom and I cried with joy and relief. Both our families were there- shaken up but proud grandparents, aunts and uncles. After a couple hours we were taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Thomas Nathan Junior was perfect. He had big hands and feet, and Tom’s exact ears. He could tell we were there despite the heavy sedative, tubes and wires. We fell so deeply in love with our son it felt like we each grew an extra heart.

 

The next couple of days were a routine of pain medication, prayers, visits to the NICU and bouts of despair. It was hard for me to care about my own recovery. Friends and family texted and emailed their support. Everyone was rooting for little Tommy. But then the bad news started rolling in. Our sweet baby was just too young. He was a fighter, but he couldn’t fight hard enough. His lungs were diseased and his brain started to bleed.

 

By Thursday we knew that Tommy’s chances were not good. Head ultrasounds revealed the worst case scenario. Tom Sr. and I tried to intellectualize what was happening. But as we started to tell our family that little Tommy wasn’t going to make it, we realized our new hearts couldn’t understand.

 

Tom Sr and I cherished every moment we were with Tommy. We were so proud of our son- he was a perfect, beautiful fighter. He made us ecstatic with joy when we were with him. Every time we went up to the NICU to be with Tommy Jr we couldn’t stop smiling We were relaxed and laughing and tripping over each other to tell him stories about each other and our family and what it was like to be pregnant with him. We told him we couldn’t get over what an impatient little baby he was- again taking after his Daddy who was early everywhere he went.

 

We thanked Tommy Jr for waiting- his Unkie Kev and Auntie Crissy were on their way home from New York City, and they really wanted to meet him. He had met the rest of his family and loved being held in his little incubator house. His family’s caresses made him so calm – a brief respite from the constant medical invasion. We spent Friday introducing him to our loved ones- we were proud of our friends and family. Everyone was able to access the same joy of being near and touching such a special little baby.

 

Friday night we got a special call from his nurses: they made arrangements so that Tom Sr and I could both hold Baby Tommy. They could take him out of his incubator and lay him right on our bare chests. Watching the team of four nurses transfer all his equipment and wires to more portable versions was stressful. Every pulled cord broke our hearts a little but Baby Tommy remained stable

 

When they laid my son on my chest I felt an explosion of love and happiness. It was one of the best moments of my life. I could stroke his back and kiss his little head. He squirmed up higher on me, like he wanted to snuggle as hard as he could. We lay there for an hour, then put him on Tom Sr’s chest. Seeing Tom Sr with his perfect son against his chest was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Tom took deep breaths of his son’s sweet smell, and laughed when Tommy Jr kicked his little feet against his chest. We were both infected by the calm and joy of holding our son.

 

Saturday morning Kevin and Crissy arrived. They were so happy to meet their nephew and we told Tommy Jr that Kevin was going to teach him how to be properly naughty. They both cradled him in his incubator and fell in love. We were so grateful to sweet Tommy for waiting to meet his whole family. It wasn’t easy for him and it made us more able to understand if he had to go.

 

Little Tommy Jr came early to say hello and give us the best week of our lives. His sweet spirit touch everyone who knew him, and his fight inspired us all. But in the end we knew he couldn’t stay. He had to leave us, maybe to be reborn as another person’s baby to spread his infectious joy. Then grow up and be a baseball player or a rockstar.

 

Saturday May 15th, 2010 the complication of his brain bleed became insurmountable. My oldest brother (another Tom!) helped us wade through the medical jargon and understand what was really happening. The doctors told us we didn’t have much time with Tommy. So at 5:30 we gathered in the NICU family room and Tom and I held Tommy on our chests again. I called over each family member and introduced them again to Tommy, and told him how special they were. Then everyone kissed him and said goodbye. We asked our family to leave and wait for us in our apartment. We wanted to say goodbye alone, as a new little family.

 

When the doctors and nurses finally removed all the IV’s and tubes and cords, Tommy looked relieved. We got to hold him in our arms just like a healthy little baby. We got to kiss his face and toes and hands. He was finally free, he was finally a little boy. He stayed with us for almost two hours, we finally even got to hear him coo. Tom and I never cried. We were so happy for our son. We wanted him to be free of pain and just be with his family. It was a wonderful day- May 10th he was born, May 15th he was reborn.

 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Comments

  1. Mary says:

    Heather and Tom,

    What a wonderful tribute to a fantastic little man. Thank you so much for sharing him with us. Please let me know if their is anything you need. I’m sure Tom Jr. enjoyed his short time with you as much as you did. And don’t forget that for a few short moments he was on stage and a star.

    I love you guys,

    Mary

  2. Matt and Maria H. says:

    Heather and Tom,

    Your family is so beautiful. I am so grateful to you for sharing your Strength and Love. No lifetime is ever long enough, but to make it as full as you have is an inspiration to us, and I hope we will share more eventually.
    Your family has our love and prayers,

    M & M

  3. Flo Downey says:

    I am a friend of cousins of Tommys parents. I am so sorry or your loss, you were both very brave to write such a beautiful letter about your son. He will always be in your hearts and he was a very corageous little guy to fight so hard. Hes in gods hands now and is a boucing strong baby in heaven. Words cannot express how parents go through a loss of a very special baby but you are all in my prayers.

  4. Lisa Muzik says:

    Heather and Tom,
    I am so very sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you and little Tom.
    Love,
    Lisa

  5. Liz says:

    Heather and Tom,

    Truly a beautiful tribute. – And you two are a testament to courage; turning heartache into grace, love and joy.

    Love,
    Liz.

  6. cheryl lindquist says:

    Dear Heather and Tom:

    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story with everyone. I know God has his
    strong hand over your little son. Your love with be with him forever.

    My thoughts, love and praise for your stength is with you.

    Love,
    cheryl

  7. Lisa Margulis says:

    Heather my sweet – what a beautiful story. Heart-breaking to be sure. You know I had two miscarriages, one quite late term, and the baby girl had already passed…but holding her and kissing her goodbye meant so much to me, and her cremated ashes sit on a shelf in my….bathroom oddly. But what a gift to be able to spend the time you had with Thomas…my heart truly aches for your gift and for your loss. much much love to you and Thomas Sr, and tell me FIRST when you are knocked up again! Love you, Lisa

  8. Tyler says:

    Dear Heather and Tom,

    What a beautiful tribute to your son. Thoughts and prayers to you all!

    love,

    Tyler

  9. stefanie (guillen) mcallister says:

    Heather and Tom,
    Little TJ is truly blessed to have such loving and caring parents, who are truly living in the Moment, and we are truly blessed to be able to witnesses an example of Pure Love.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
    love
    stef and eric

  10. Sara Martin says:

    What a lovely tribute Heather. Your family has been in my thoughts all week. Take good care of eachother. If there’s anything we can do to help out just let us know. xoxo

  11. Renee says:

    Thank you for writing Heather. Thomas Nathan Guillen Junior sounds like an amazing soul who in a short span of time in his little body touched so many lives including mine. You and Tom will have a lifetime to reflect on your son and share this experience with others including Tommy’s siblings. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s recruiting right now. Love, Renee

  12. Nathan Senter says:

    Heather and Tom.
    My heart is so full for the two of you. Full of hope. Full of pride. Full of prayer. You have shared your most intimate dream with us and for that I still lack the direction to send my words to thank you. So, thank you. Thank you for being the parents we all aspire to be. Thank you for opening yourselves so fully so that we too were able to know the joy of your son. He has left an indelible mark that will never be erased. “God never closes a door without opening a window.”

    Your Friend,

    Nathan Senter

  13. Sue Cornfield says:

    Heather & Tom,
    This is a beautiful tribute to your son and to your love & strength. My heart aches for you and your family! May you continue to be blessed by the special moments you had with Tommy! May God heal your hearts and bring you peace.
    Love,
    Sue

  14. Peggy (Moss ) Guarino says:

    Dear Heather and Tom,
    I am Tom’s cousin and would like you to know how truly sorry and saddened I am by your loss. I am so touched by your strength and courage. What wonderful parents you are. Thank you for sharing Tommy with us. He has left a mark on my heart as well. May your faith give you strength, and your friends and family give you comfort. Take care and God Bless. Peggy Guarino

  15. Rachel J says:

    I haven’t written anything yet because it’s hard to know what to say. You’ve all been going through so much, and my heart is with you. I appreciate you sharing the story of your son–what a big impact for such a little guy! Life really does its own thing, regardless of what we want sometimes. But I know you will persevere, you lovely lady you. xo!

  16. rachel glaub says:

    beyond beautiful photo of you & baby tommy.
    thinking of you every minute.
    xo
    rach

  17. Kari Topa says:

    Heather and Tom,

    Thank you so much for sharing your family’s story- it is a beautiful one. You and Tom have amazing strength and love for each other. In the come days, weeks, and months ahead let that be your comfort and refuge. What a little fighter! He is watching over you sending you lots of hugs and kisses everyday.

    Love- The Topa Family (Tom and Kari)

  18. Poor Lucky Me says:

    Thank you all for reading our story. Tom Sr and I are so lucky to have such wonderful support and an outpouring of love. It’s all we have now.

  19. Chrissy Smith says:

    Dearest Tommy and Heather,
    Please know that our family is praying for yours.
    Love, love, and more love,
    The Smiths

  20. Don & Eileen Heppeler says:

    How truly wonderful it was for all of little Tommy’s family to get to meet him. He will certainly leave an indelible mark on each and every one of you. There will most probably never be an answer as to the “why” of your sweet son’s moving on to his heavenly home, but because he was able to spend time with his loving family is surely the greatest gift imaginable. All our thoughts and prayers reach out to you. Don and Eileen

  21. Mary & Ed Moran says:

    Dear Heather and Tom,
    Please know that you will be in our prayers. One of the prayers that we hold deep for you is that your hearts will heal. Your great family and friends will hold your hands during this very difficult time.
    Mary and Ed Moran

  22. Ana Burnopp says:

    So moved by your strength and love. Tommy Jr. is truly an angel that will always be with you. May peace fill you, love surround you and the joy of knowing him warm your hearts forever.
    Prayers and Thoughts are with you. Ana

  23. Pam says:

    Heather and Tom,
    Tommy Jr. was in my thoughts all day on the 15th. He was a special little boy who grabbed a piece of my heart the minute I met him. He couldn’t have asked for two more wonderful parents. The love between the three of you was overwhelming. It was an honor to have cared for him.
    Pam RN

  24. Kate Johnson says:

    I’m a Whitehall friend of Tom’s parents . Heather, you and Tom were gifted to be able to live so fully in the moment during the short time you had Tommy Jr. with you. Your soulful writing is inspiring. You touched my heart. As a former hospice nurse I have journeyed with many families. Your family’s spirit glows. I send you deep breathes and encouraging Light as you and Tom do the very hard grieving that is ahead. May you feel loving support just as Tommy experienced from you. Kate

  25. The Rittenhouses says:

    You both are so strong and full of love and we’re sure that your son felt it too. Our thoughts are with you.

  26. Dana Balkin says:

    Heather.
    I had been rooting for Thomas since I heard you gave birth. I was so beyond impressed by your grace and strength through all of this. You are a mother. I am sorry for your loss, but so happy you got to meet the little guy. Its funny, I was once so affected by death and Gay really helped me through it. She helped me realize that people are put on this planet for a reason and I hope you and your husband are able to grasp some peace from the time you did get to spend with him.He will always be with you.
    I am thinking of you often and sending you a lot of love and support. Much love, Dana

  27. Matt and Claudia Bohanek says:

    Heather and Tom,
    Your story has left a permanent mark on all of us… we feel your strength in love and sadness at the same time— and that is the presence of God’s grace in action. We pray for your grieving days ahead, that God will lift you to the peaceful place where your Little Angel is flying happily…God bless you both…. always.

  28. Donna Ramos says:

    Heather, you have a beautiful way with words…your essay was so heartfelt that I felt I was right there with you. I know God is watching over your little angel, as well as all of you. You have such faith, that God will bring you through all this.
    Much love & prayers,
    Donna & Lenny

  29. Courtney says:

    Heather and Tom,
    I love you with all of my heart and here for anything and everything. Thomas Nathan Guillen Jr will always be a true testiment to your loving kindness and inspiration of strength.
    Love you.
    Courtney

  30. Maria Dizon says:

    Thank you for sharing your story. I never met you or your baby boy but I feel that he was filled with your love and courage. Please know that families like yours give others strength.
    My thoughts and prayers are with you,
    M

  31. colleen dirsmith says:

    Thank you for sharing your strong spirit. May you be at peace.
    Colleen

  32. Lisa Berg says:

    Heather and Tom ~
    What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful life. I will be thinking of the three of you today.

    My thoughts and prayers to you all.

    lisa berg

  33. Kevin Michicich says:

    Tom and Heather,
    I was deeply touched by your story to say the least, as well as inspired by the strength and optimism that is apparent in the both of you through this event. The Guillens have always been in my thoughts because you are a special family and I’ve always wished you guys well. I can truly say that Jr. will always be in my thoughts. Bless you guys.. I’m just one of the many hearts he’s touched…amazing!

  34. Ben and Connie Forcey says:

    Dear Heather and Tom,
    How lucky young Tommy was to have such a loving couple for his parents! We wish there could have been a better outcome for all of you.
    Your devotion to your son is so palpable in this sweet letter. Thank you for sharing the baby’s story with us all.
    May the heavens treat you kindly in coming years.
    Connie and Ben Forcey

  35. Kari Murray-Conforti says:

    Tom, Heather and Family, My heart was touched through your beautiful spoken essay. Your son sounds like he was definately a fighter and loved to meet his family. Your son experienced the best gift ever and that was the time and love you, Tom and the family gave him. My thoughts & prayers are with you all!

  36. Kate Wilson says:

    Your words brought tears to my eyes and reminded me what a loving and courageous woman you are, Heather. Your story has touched an audience who love you and Tom so dearly. You have our support 100%. May the Lord bless your family now and always. Love Kate

  37. Eddie Chez says:

    Dear Heather,
    Your story was wondefully told and is a true example of a parents’ love for a child and a child’s love for his parents. While only a loving experience for 5 days, it is a life long lesson to us all of being thankful for each day we have with our loved ones. May God Bless you and thank you so much for sharing this.
    Eddie Chez

  38. Karen Provan says:

    Dear Tom and Heather,
    Our deepest sympathy at your loss! Heather, I met you for the first time at the walk for pancreatic cancer. We lived next door to the Guillen family when Tom was growing up. Your words were beautiful! You will always have little Tommy in your hearts – and reading your words I know you will be wonderful parents to your future children. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Karen and Jim Provan

  39. Heather Collins says:

    Heather and Tom,
    I am a friend of Claudia Bohanek’s and had the great tearful pleasure of reading your story.
    Your strength and love and appreciation for life is so inspiring. I am so glad you got to meet and spend precious time with Tommy jr. He is a very lucky boy to have had that time with you and your special family. While it will take time, keep that spirit going that you have. You are absolutely right about being born and reborn. You gave him great comfort. God bless you both and your families.
    Heather Collins

  40. Al and Chean Tiu says:

    We extend our deepest condolences to you, Heather and Tom. Thank you for so eloquently writing about your experiences with your son. It really puts things in perspective as to how precious every moment of our lives is.

    We will continue to include you and your family in our prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Al and Chean Tiu

  41. Belle says:

    You all will be in my prayers. This is such a wonderful way to remember him.

  42. Stacy says:

    I have no idea who you are. have no idea how I stumbled upon this blog. I too, had a son born around the same time. Also a big boy for 25 weeks. The mixture of love and sadness as you watch your child die is unbearable. I admire your strength and joy and am so happy for you that you have the outlet of writing to memorialize your son.

    Best and be well and enjoy all the wonders life has to offer you,

    Stacy

    • Poor Lucky Me says:

      Thank you Stacy. I’m so sorry you can relate. I hope that your hearts heals but your memories stay strong.

  43. linda scott says:

    I was lucky I had 5 healthy children, they are grown now and I have 10 healthy grand children,today:Christmas: when they all left I began to feel alone and sad , so decide to surf the net ,this website found me I guess, and I think GOD , I could not think of the pain of losing a child I want to think you two for sharing this story and I pray you have one are many children ; Im very sick myself you see, and I ‘m not able to donate any , but I can pray for you two to recieve yall”s blessings I know you will, because you two have an angel watching over you ! GOD BLESS YOU

Trackbacks

  1. [...] The essay I wrote about Thomas Nathas Guillen Jr is here. [...]

Leave a Reply to Rachel J Cancel reply

*