Jessica and I woke up the next morning ready to roll. We had an address of the hospital, but that was it. So, we set out for an adventure. After getting turned around several times, we finally made it… 40 minutes later than planned.
After changing into scrubs and crocs, we were directed to the babies. I was excited to get my hands on these precious, innocent beings. I picked up the first one I laid eyes on. He had cheeks that could store walnuts: adorable. I sat him on my lap, positioned him to be “sitting” at the table next to me with toys ready for the grabbing.
“We’ve got a rocker.” I looked up confused, only to see a baby in the next room laying in his crib, shaking his head back and forth rather vigorously. His mother towered over the crib watching him. I asked what that meant and why he was doing that. “Rocking” is a baby’s way of coping with abandonment.
…but the mother was right there?!
I was confused and saddened deeply, but it was time to move on. I replaced the infant back in his crib, and walked out ignoring the cries behind me. The next part of our shift consisted of delivering diapers. Piece. Of. Cake.
Each of us grabbed a sack, reloaded the diaper stash, and headed to the babies. After trekking up and down several flights of stairs and passing out several diapers, that duty was complete. Up next: changing diapers.
….Hold up. Let’s tap the breaks. Changing diapers?!
Just to get one thing straight, I’ve never changed a diaper in my life. Yet, there I was surrounded by babies will full diapers. So, I suited up like a champ, and went to work. After we changed all the diapers, it was time to feed the babies. I was handed a bottle and a baby, and that child drank his milk like no other I’ve ever seen.
And just like that, our shift was over. As we were changing out of our scrubs, the volunteers invited us to a bonfire that night. It was going to be a time for laughs, relaxation, and fellowship. One of the volunteers is German, and she was going to introduce us to an old tradition of hers: making bread on a stick.
