06/08/2026
At three years old, it is amazing what sticks.
Our little one loves scrolling through pictures on my phone and always pauses on the photos from his NICU stay. He will look up and say, “Hey daddy, tell me about when I couldn’t breathe.”
I do my best to explain it in a way a three year old can understand. But every time I tell that story, which is more often than I care to admit, it takes me right back. I remember the fear. I remember the sleepless nights. I remember carrying him with wires attached to his body and how terrifying that felt.
We are incredibly grateful for the NICU staff at St. Cloud Hospital and for the doctors in Monticello who helped deliver him. Their care and compassion changed our lives.
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to sponsor the Henry’s Heroes Walk in support of NICU families. Being there hits differently. When you hear the fear in a parent’s voice as they talk about their six month old and the lingering trauma of not knowing if their child would make it, it brings everything rushing back.
If you are not familiar with Henry’s Heroes, they are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families with babies in the NICU. They help ease both financial and emotional stress by providing assistance with essential needs, resources, and support during an incredibly difficult time. They also accept nominations for families currently in need so they can step in and provide help when it matters most.
Moments like these are a powerful reminder that behind every story is a family who simply needs support and hope.
Grateful to be part of a community that shows up.
