Looking after newborn babies is hard enough at the best of times, but those babies who are born prematurely, or with other health issues, will have to spend some time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Nurses who work in the unit are tirelessly dedicated to helping these precious little ones get through those first few tough weeks or months so they can get home to their parents and go on to live their lives.
One such nurse, Jessica Wright, knows that these tiny babies are fighters and believes that they can, and will, go on to do great things. She spends time illustrating photographs of her patients to turn them into what she thinks they could be when they grow up. On the Dedicated to All Better blog, Jessica writes,
"I like to think that I've cared for the next President of the United States, the scientist who’s going to help cure cancer, a Top Chef, an astronaut, an Olympic gold medalist, and dozens of teachers, firemen, and fellow nurses."
Website: Dedicated to All Better
This sweet girl could grow up to be a doctor.
Looking at these images, you could almost forget that these babies are fighting for their lives. They were all born between 25 and 37 weeks of gestation, and those born at the lower end of that spectrum face some especially difficult challenges.
This little man could be whizzing off into space as a future astronaut.
This Olympic medalist in the making is going for gold.
While these babies might appear like they're peacefully sleeping, Jessica says the truth is different. She writes,
"I have the privilege of caring for babies who seem to spend most of their days resting peacefully. But I know better. Those tiny bodies are not at rest; their little lungs, hearts and muscles are actively fighting very tough battles."
This little girl could one day twirl and leap with the best of them as a professional ballerina.
This angel could one day make it as a top chef.
These sweet babies might have had a challenging start, but just think about all they can achieve in the future. Nurse Jessica Wright is teaching them to dream big right from the start, but we're sure these little ones will do great things, whatever path they choose to follow.
source:1