To the Mom Whose Baby Was Just Diagnosed With Lymphatic Malformations

I know you’re scared, confused and worrying about your baby’s outcome.

I’m here to give you a little reassurance.

My mom was in your exact position 14 years ago. She was scared and wondering if her baby would ever be able to live a “normal” life.

Let me say this: “Normal” doesn’t exist.

Your baby will thrive as he or she grows. They’ll learn how to talk, walk and giggle at the silly faces you make in attempts to cheer them up at the hospital.

They will learn to voice how much they love you. They won’t have to learn to appreciate all that you do because it comes naturally to them.

They see all you do and have done for them, and they’re thankful for every time you kissed and cuddled them before they went back to the operating room for a procedure.

They are thankful for the patience you have when when they try to fight against getting their tracheotomy or feeding tube changed.

They learn about acceptance and compassion for others early on. They will learn to play with the little kid alone on the playground; they will learn to share the toys in the waiting room with the other child.

They will learn to dance and sway as their favorite songs play. They will learn to pick flowers to give to you and blow bubbles as they play in the yard.

They will learn that real friends will stay by their side no matter how they look or how sick they may be.

They will learn about all the different treatment options and will hang out with their favorite nurses.

They will learn how to wipe away your tears when you feel like your world is crashing down
(and they will forever be grateful as you do the same).

They will learn how to get around in this world pretty quickly.

You will both learn that you two are a team, a package deal.

No matter how rough the going gets, you will have each other to lean on.

So listen up, Momma: You’ve got this, and so does your little fighter. You’re both going to be OK.

You’re both going to learn how to soak up the sunshine and how to dance in the rain.

Keep your head held high and stay strong, Momma.

Follow this journey on The LM Warrior.

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