Dear Monroe,
The early days after you arrived
weren’t typical. You were born at
just 26 weeks, after I went into labour
unexpectedly after a prenatal massage.
You weighed just under a kilo. So many
of my memories of being a new mama
were spent in the neonatal intensive
care unit and there were many highs
and many lows. Not knowing whether
you’d make it through the night was
terrifying. I felt every emotion all at
once. But I was strong, I was your
protector, I was your mother. It was a
life-and-death situation, but I remember
always knowing that you would be OK.
For a long time I felt sad, guilty and
confused. I wondered why I couldn’t
protect you and keep you in my belly.
But you were a fighter and so is your
mama. It’s true what they say – it all
goes by so fast. You’re four now. It’s
exciting and a little heartbreaking at
the same time. I hope you never stop
wanting to cuddle, or tell me you love
me. I’m a single mama but I strive to
be patient, soft and understanding;
but also a mother who creates
boundaries and sets good examples. I
try to encourage you to solve problems
and give you tools to guide you
through them. I want you to work hard
for what you want, and know that a
woman can become anything she sets
her mind to. That you can achieve your
goals no matter how big they might be!
Thank you, Monroe. Thank you for
fighting so hard. Thank you for making
every moment more meaningful and
full of love. Thank you for choosing me
to be your mama. You are my heart.
“Kn
at being
diferent is
beautiful and
remember
at
succe is
f
ling hay”
LAUREN HASTINGS,
MODEL AND ACTRESS
WITH MONROE