So many stories to tell, but one which jumps to the front of the line.
As you know, Leo was in the NICU for some time and at various points it was 'touch and go' or 'all great' - it really depended which nurse or doctor you spoke to. In those situations, you naturally gravitate to the person that makes you feel most comfortable. That should also tell you what kind of person you are. Some people like to hear the good stuff - so they go for the 'la-de-dah' nurses who sugar coat everything. Others go for the pessimistic, 'glass half empty' kinds.
For us, we were astounded at the wealth of information that actually existed about Leo's case but the lack of it being shared with us. It has to do with how much they think you can take. Eileen is pretty tough, she can handle a lot but her natural reaction to anything new is to tear up. It means nothing, it is just her natural reaction and then she sucks it up and moves on.
I have developed a tougher exterior and so I 'look' like I am bearing up better.
The net result is that the nurses are trying to ration their commentary because of what they think is suitable. Back to the story.
The doctor who we loved, Carmen, a Cameroonian doctor who had the kind of winning smile and big laugh that Magic Johnson would be proud of, had a few days break and told us that a new doctor would handle the case for the next few days.
The next day, Eileen was sitting there holding Leo when the new doctor approached. She was a petite little Indian woman.
Doctor - Hello Eileen. This must be baby, Leo. I am Sujata, I'll be looking after him from now on.
Naturally, Eileen did very well to hold on the baby. (for those that don't know, my late mother's name was Sujata and the name isn't very common).
It is ironic that around that time, we saw a marked improvement in Leo's condition and his steady walk towards what was eventually his release to go home. And who signed his release papers?
Sujata, of course.
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