Congratulations to Norisa Jacobus, who was chosen to receive one of the prizes in our Giveaway! This is the story of Norisa and her son Savion:
“Weighing 4.2 lbs at 32 weeks gestation, Savion Jacobus made his appearance into the world on May 6, 2019, at 10:20am by emergency C-section.
“The moments and experience leading up to his arrival, I will never forget; but by the time I arrived at the hospital, all I knew was that he was coming and there was nothing that could stop him.
“My famous doctor, Dr. Friday, was not taking any chances with me, as I’ve been through two miscarriages. We were both not giving up by any means so he decided to do an emergency C-section.
“As they rushed me from the delivery room to the operating room, I remember screaming the place down in pain, and the doctor and nurses telling me to try and keep calm. When we arrived in the room, they raised me and gave me an injection in my back and that eased all my pain away and I was not so aware anymore as to what was happening.
“After a few minutes, my sister tried waking me up. I heard a tiny cry, and with tears in my eyes, I felt an instant relief and joy. I remember Dr. Friday telling me, ‘Congratulations, Norisa, we finally did it.’
“My baby was breathing on his own! I did not get to hold him. I got to take a little peep at him in the hands of his paediatric doctor, Dr. Tilanus. That was my first glimpse of my son – he was so handsome with sexy pink lips.
“Savion remained in the NICU for four weeks. The focus was mainly feedings as he amazed everyone with his ability to breathe on his own. I pumped every two-three hours. Pumping allowed me to be a big part in Savion’s recovery. It also helped fill the void left from having to go home without him.
“I never missed a visit. The nurses would tell me: ‘Take rest, Mommy. You don’t have to come every visit; we are taking care of him. My reply to them? ‘You don’t know half the story of what I went through to have this baby – and even more bring him into this world – so if you all are seeing me until the last hours, I will be there by his side!’
“Savion is six months old now and he is doing terrific! He is so attentive and full of smiles. He is rolling and kicking. Having a preemie has been quite an emotional experience, but it showed me what is really important – a healthy mamma and baby. The support of the NICU staff, along with that of family and friends, helped us through.
“I am so grateful to all the men and women who devote their lives to these tiny babies and their terrified mothers. I hope they realize the difference they make. My baby boy will always be a symbol of true strength to me. He fought so fiercely for this life. I hope he has the very best one possible.
“Having a child opens up your heart in so many ways; I always want the best for my son. I am raising him to be a legend is this community. I can’t wait until he is a little older so that I can involve him in various activities – especially sports, because that is my background.
“Savion is my Saviour, and I am forever grateful to have him.”
