Special Care Baby Unit in Antrim Area Hospital (SCBU)

Posted by Glenn

I must admit, that this first night, when I left Geraldine, to drive the approximately 40 miles, to Antrim, to the Special Care Baby Unit, is a bit of a blur in my memory. I can remember just driving and driving…talking to family on the phone…I think I probably called in to our house, briefly, on the way past…but I can’t really remember. I know I was glad that Jed and Kezia were safely tucked up, and being looked after. They continued to be taken care of, by close family members, in our own house, which was brilliant for them…less disruption, and a bit of spoiling no doubt!

I can’t remember how I found the Neo-Natal Unit, in the hospital, but I certainly remember what it looked like, and what wee Keren looked like lying there. In an incubator, with a ventilator, and more sensors and monitors around her than I had ever seen. I will never forget the sound of the machines in there, constant beep beep going on, it was worrying, and yet comforting in a strange sort of way. I knew that she was in the best place for her, in her condition.

The nurses here were so nice too, and so patient when I buzzed them, if I thought Keren’s monitor made an unusual sound, as if I knew! I remember one nurse, who was so lovely, that first night, when Keren was so fragile, asking me if I wanted to have her baptized. I said no, but I didn’t get a chance to explain that she didn’t need baptized, because I knew that Keren was in God’s hands, and that she would be alright, that although God was a just God, and must punish sin, He is also a loving God who would not punish any infant before they reached the “age of understanding”. For a long time after this, I thought about that nurse, and I wished I could see her again, to explain, and thank her for her kindness that night, (maybe she will read this?)

I remember just looking at our beautiful wee baby, and taking photographs, never knowing if one of these photos would be the last one.

About one o’clock in the morning, in walked Mr Park, our minister, and I was so glad to see him. It was good to see a familiar face. He asked me if I knew what the situation was, with Keren, and I didn’t really. I was hearing terms that I had never heard before, and I suppose I was in shock, and not really taking things in so well. He asked me if anyone had used the term “Edwards Syndrome” and I said I thought someone had. I knew it was serious, but I also knew, that God was in control, and that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose”. I also knew that I loved God, for what He had done in my life, and I knew that I was among “the called according to His purpose”, therefore all things would work together for good.

I don’t know what time Mr Park left, but I know it was late. The nurses eventually convinced me (or I was so tired, that I convinced them) that I should lie down somewhere, and they found me a sofa and a blanket. and I was soon asleep.

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