Mom Releases Moving NICU Video on Her Preemie Son's First Birthday
On september 24, 2014, Jack and Greyson Grier were born 16 week early, at only 24 weeks gestation, according to the YouTube video below. Greyson did not survive and Jack weighted only 1 pound and 7 ounces. His chance of survival was 50/50.
Now, a year later, little Jack has not only survived, but thrived. In celebration of the long and difficult journey towards his first birthday, his mother, Mary Colleen Grier, released the video below. It shows everything from the first time his mother and father got to hold him, to his first breaths without the breathing tube and when his parents finally got to take him home.
“When my son was born I remember watching videos of others’ NICU journeys and they brought me so much hope,” Grier told The Huffington Post. “I hope this can encourage some parents who are are on the roller coaster ride of having a preemie in the NICU.”
Happy birthday, Jack.
Enjoy the video below:
Melissa McGlensey is the former News Editor at The Mighty. Her writing can also be seen in Ms. Magazine, on the Ms.Magazine blog and in The Huffington Post’s Good News, Comedy and Impact sections. Melissa is also a New York City comedian who does sketch, improv and stand up. She is passionate about social justice, politics, Thai food, literature, disability rights and more. She is currently in a long-distance relationship with her cat, Sneakers, who lives in California. You can follow her on twitter at @OhHeyMeliss.
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