Encouraging Quotes For NICU Parents

These are some thoughts that are helping me through this tough journey right now. I started collecting these months ago amidst a long NICU stay. Even months later out of the NICU these still lift me up as we face more obstacles and must press on. I hope it helps someone out there reading.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Nelson Mandela

When I need to keep perspective during the Ups and Downs, when it’s easy to end up lost in disappointment:

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

Jon Kabat-Zinn

“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”

Joseph Campbell

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”

Fred Rogers

When I wonder if I could have done things differently, or if I caused this situation:

Stop thinking you’re doing it all wrong. Your path doesn’t look like anybody else’s because it can’t, it shouldn’t, and it won’t.

Eleanor Brown

When I realize I’m spiraling—I’m down, everything feels like too much to handle, and I can’t think straight:

The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.

E. Joseph Cossman

I would add food and drink to that, too.

When I’m tempted to compare, or longing for a normal pregnancy / birth:

After so many years struggling to keep up with you, I finally realized we’re not even running the same race.

Scott Stabile

When progress is slow and I am looking to increase my gratitude:

Rejoice in small things and they will continue to grow.

Slaven Vujic

When it feels like I have no control or a choice in this, except to choose to keep fighting:

You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice.

Bob Marley

When my strength is waning and I am weary:

You don’t always have to be strong. Sometimes you just need to be held.

Rachael Hartley

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest⁠.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart⁠: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy⁠, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30

When I am in pain and fear and feel so lost, when positivity becomes a burden:

I can’t do this, but I will do it. I can’t bear this, yet I will bear it. It’s too much, and yet I will carry it. I will endure. One more step. One more step.

Rebecca F. Kenney

Don’t you quit. You keep walking, you keep trying, there is help and happiness ahead. Some blessings come soon. Some come late. Some don’t come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be alright in the end. Trust God and believe in Good Things to Come.

Jeffrey R. Holland

Hang in there my friend.

Love, Kat