You fulfilled your responsibility within ten days; you gave us all the love you had to offer, but we were unable to give you anything in return. We will live on with your love and your memories.
You came to our world on the day you settled in your mother’s womb. We have been overjoyed since that moment, which was on July 28, 2023. I could see the happiness reflected in your mother’s eyes, doubling my own joy. You may not yet comprehend why it is said there is a haven under a mother’s feet. I witnessed the challenges she faced during pregnancy; becoming a mother is the world’s most demanding task, a gift bestowed by God upon women. Numerous hormonal changes occurred during pregnancy, and these changes were painful. Despite the pain, the mother happily endures it all for the sake of bringing you safely into this world. A mother is the true protector of her child. Let me share an experience with you, though there are many. At night, in her deep sleep, if I made a slight movement, she instinctively placed her hand on her belly, even though she was sound asleep.
This is the power of a mother. The day was January 25th, 2024, when we decided to consult the gynecologist recommended by my brother-in-law as my wife’s face kept swelling, and her blood pressure was fluctuating. She was diagnosed with pregnancy-related hypertension, and Dr. Deka, a renowned doctor at Hospital whom we had been consulting for the past four years, expressed concern about potential complications. Following my brother-in-law’s advice, we visited MediCity clinic, Hatigaon, to see Dr. Majumdar. Arriving at 3:45 pm, after registration, we waited for about 45 minutes before the doctor reviewed all the reports and conducted an ultrasound himself. He diagnosed low amniotic fluid levels and poor blood circulation, indicating the need for an immediate caesarean section, as waiting even 48 hours could pose risks.
In a difficult situation, I immediately called your uncle, who is an excellent surgeon well-known throughout the northeast and India for his expertise. I must also mention your aunt who is a dentist and your maternal uncle he is also a doctor they provided constant mental support and valuable advice. Your uncle promptly contacted Dr. Majumdar and grasped the situation. Meanwhile, your mother informed Dr. Deka. Around 6:15 pm, Dr. Deka had already left the hospital, but upon receiving the call from your mother, he kindly returned halfway. As I shared Dr. Deka’s number with your uncle, he quickly contacted him. All these calls and discussions occurred while we were on the way, navigating through heavy traffic to reach Hospital as quickly as possible, as Dr. Majumdar had stressed the urgency, stating we had less than 48 hours.
Upon reaching Hospital around 6:30 pm, we found Dr. Deka waiting for us on the ground floor. After reviewing the reports and consulting with your uncle, a decision for a caesarean section was made swiftly, a rarity in such situations. Your mother displayed immense bravery, considering it was her first delivery and operation, with only me by her side in the hospital. While most women rely on family for support during such times, we had to face it alone due to the urgency of the situation.
On the second floor, I assisted your mother in changing her clothes before she was taken to the operating room. Witnessing her strength and courage, I was truly amazed. The procedure began promptly at 7:25 pm, and upon being called into the operating room, I saw the doctor attending to you, announcing the birth of a baby boy weighing 855 grams, below the ideal weight of 1.5 kilograms. However, apart from the low weight, everything else appeared normal as you cried just after your birth, indicating your well-being.
Due to your mother’s high blood pressure, the delivery was expected to be at least after 32 weeks for the baby’s lungs to mature fully. Yet, you exhibited normal breathing immediately after birth, showcasing your own resilience. Despite the challenges, both you and your mother displayed remarkable strength.
You were swiftly transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where you continued to demonstrate resilience, receiving normal oxygen support like any other baby. It was evident that you inherited your mother’s strength. With unwavering belief, I knew you would emerge victorious from this battle.
Day: 2, 26th Jan 24
Next day, around 10:30 am, I was permitted to visit you and meet the doctors who were caring for you in the NICU. The doctor informed me that you were stable and assured me that with your determination, you would recover and come home with us.
On January 26, 2024, in the NICU, a nurse informed me that the doctor would arrive at 9:30 am to update me on your condition. I arrived at 9:00 am and waited until around 10:30 am when the nurse called me to meet the doctor. Your maternal uncle accompanied me. As I entered the NICU, you were still known as your mother’s name since no name had been given yet. The doctor recognized me, and being familiar with Uncle, they informed me that they were in discussion with your uncle, your Jetha. Your condition remained stable, and a positive sign was that you required only normal oxygen support, not full. The doctor encouraged me, stating that you were fighting and needed to continue until you succeeded.
Later in the evening, I returned to the NICU to see you. I asked the nurse for permission to visit, and upon entering, I watched you while you slept, noticing you move your hands and legs. My brave boy, you possess the same strength as your mother, and I am confident that you will overcome this battle. We will be home together soon, my son. I trust in Allah.
Day: 3, 27th Jan 2024
You were in the NICU while your mother was in the Surgical ICU due to her high blood pressure, requiring observation. On January 27, 2024, at 11:25 am, cabin room number 503 was allotted to shift your mother.
Now, you might wonder what I was doing. I sat on an iron chair outside your mother’s ICU, and three to four times a day, I climbed up to the 6th floor to check on your status. Dr. Nayan, the paediatrician, was overseeing your care. I used the elevator to ascend because it wasn’t feasible from the 2nd floor, as my lungs would come out, but I preferred taking the stairs on the way down.
In the evening, your maternal uncle and aunt visited you at 4:00 pm, while I and your uncle, went to your NICU cabin. I wore a gown and observed you up close, while your uncle watched from outside the glass enclosure, as only parents were allowed to enter. You were stable, and the doctors were planning to start feeding you mother’s milk.
Day: 4, 28th Jan 2024
In the morning, at 9:30 am, I visited you and met Dr. Debasish, who assured me that everything was fine. He mentioned some peripheral pigmentation, which is normal for newborns. However, your blood would be examined for any potential infections. I understood that there was no cause for concern. Later, uncle, (jetha) called, and upon inquiry, he confirmed that everything was okay based on updates from the doctors.
At 10:00 am, I visited you again. You were moving your hands and legs, and it felt as though you recognized me, as if you were communicating by moving them.
In the afternoon, around 2:45 pm, I needed to collect some medicine for you. Your uncle went to the ground floor, while I waited outside the NICU. Dr. Debasish came out, and both Your uncle and I spoke with him. He reassured us, explaining that you had no complications. We asked if your mother could visit, and the doctor approved.
I returned to the cabin to accompany your mother, along with your uncle and Aunt (jethi) . After waiting for some time, the nurse permitted us to enter. I walked alongside your mother for support as we entered. It was the first time your mother had seen you since your birth, as she had only briefly glimpsed you in the operating theatre. Once again, you seemed to communicate with us through your movements. After spending some time with you, we returned. My brave boy, you are a warrior. You will and must win this battle.
Day: 5, 29th Jan 2024
This morning, at 9:30 am, I visited you and met Dr. Moni. The update for today is that your feeding will commence, starting with the extraction of your mother’s milk using a sucking pump. Only 2 ml is required. Around 11:00 am, I delivered the milk as instructed. However, the doctor noted that your breathing was slightly fast, prompting the need for an X-ray and a brain ultrasound.
At approximately 2:00 pm, the doctor called me to the NICU. Your platelet count was found to be slightly low, which is normal for newborns. Unfortunately, this item was unavailable at Hospital, so I had to purchase it from the Apollo Hospital blood bank. Your mother had been discharged, as your platelets were urgently needed. I requested Aunt and Uncle to bring her to the home and I went to Apollo Hospital.
The nurse provided a blood box containing your sample. I hailed an Uber bike outside the hospital, and within 30 minutes, I arrived at the Apollo Hospital. This was my first time at Apollo Hospital, and I soon realized it was a vast complex, accessible from both GS Road and Zoo Road. I entered from GS Road and traversed through the hospital to Zoo Road, where the blood bank was located, adjacent to the Zoo Tiniali overbridge. After completing some formalities, I obtained your platelet transfusion and returned to Hospital around 4 o’clock.
I was instructed to bring your mother’s milk by 9:00 pm. Using a breast pump, I collected the milk and handed it over to the NICU nurse. It was advised that the milk be given to you at 5:00 am the next day.
Day: 6, Jan 30.2024
The nurse had informed us yesterday about the timing for the milk, which was 5:00 in the morning. So, in the morning, your mother and I collected the milk. I deposited the milk and signed the register, then returned to the room, which is located behind Hospital and within walking distance.
I took a brief nap and woke up around 9 o’clock. I collected the milk again and hurried to the hospital because the doctor’s visit was scheduled for 9:00 onwards, and I needed to know the status. I met the doctor who confirmed that you were fine, accepting the feed, and not showing any signs of uneasiness during feeding. The doctor mentioned that your feeding would gradually increase.
After depositing the milk, I went back to the room to get your mother’s file for consultation with Dr. Deka. I realized my forgetfulness as I could have brought it earlier when I fetched the milk for you. Anyway, you might laugh because your father can be forgetful, but your mother is usually very smart, and her advice is excellent most of the time. Sometimes she laughs at me for these kinds of forgetful incidents. She doesn’t know about today’s incident, otherwise, she would be laughing too.
So, I brought the file and thought of meeting the doctor first, then visiting Dr. Deka. Before that, I wanted to meet you since your father must have already talked to you. Therefore, I waited outside to meet my brave son.
Today, the doctors were performing their routine duties, but it took longer than expected. So, I decided I must meet Dr. Deka before it gets too late as he might leave. I went downstairs to the 3rd floor and waited for more than half an hour until my turn came. I met him, and he prescribed some medicine for your mother. Then, I rushed to the 6th floor to meet you.
I asked the security guard to allow me to enter, but there was a shift change happening. Initially, I didn’t understand what it meant, so I asked the security guard, who explained that it was the handover from the morning batch nurse to the new batch. I was asked to come back at 4 o’clock, so I reluctantly returned. However, before going home, I decided to buy a sterilizer for you to clean your feeding utensils as hygiene is very important while feeding you. To ensure optimum hygiene a electric sterilizer is must as I don’t want to compromise with your hygiene.
There was a first cry showroom near Hospital, and yesterday, I had spoken with a customer executive over the phone, confirming the availability of the item. Initially, I thought it was within walking distance, but upon checking Google Maps, it showed a distance of almost 2.6 km, which would take around 30 minutes to walk. Realizing it would be time-consuming, I opted for a local taxi that runs from 6 Mile to Narengi, as I was unsure of the exact location of the store. I was looking out of the window and suddenly spotted the First Cry store, so I immediately got down from the taxi.
I bought a sterilizer to clean your feeding utensils manufactured by Philips, as I believed it would be of the best quality.
I returned from the store around 3:00 pm, collected the milk, and reached the hospital before 4 o’clock, where I was allowed to meet you. Once again, as usual, you were moving your legs and hands, as if asking why your mother didn’t come. You know, she is still recovering, but within 2 to 3 days, she will be fully recovered and able to meet you. Then, I returned home.
Around 9 o’clock, I went to give you milk. I handed it over to the nurse, signed the register, and returned to the room. The next day, I had to reach the hospital at 5:30 am to give milk again.
Day: 7, 31st Jan 2024
At 5 o’clock in the morning, I handed over the milk and met Dr. Bora. He informed me that everything was okay with your status. The day before yesterday, you were given one unit of platelets, and there will be another test to check the platelet count. After that, I came out and waited outside to meet you.
After the doctors’ rounds were over, I met you, and after some time, you woke up and opened your eyes. This was the first time you opened your eyes and looked at me. It was a feeling I couldn’t express. I felt like you were talking to me, just looking at me. I felt like I could sit with you all day and night.
After some time, I went out and returned to the room.
Your eyes were still flashing in my mind, and I explained all your activities and your eyes to your mother. That evening, your Uncle (Jetha) came; he was taking regular updates about you from your doctors. Your maternal uncle, your aunties, Grand mother (Nani),Grand Father (Nana) and your Dadi (grand Mother) were with us, always taking updates. When I talked about you looking at me, your Dadi said that you could feel me and were communicating with your eyes. In the evening, your doctor called me, informing that you needed one more unit of platelets. So, I went to Apollo Hospital to bring the platelets and handed them over to the nurse.
Day: 8, 1st Feb 2024
In the morning, your Ammu and I came to see you. Since the doctors’ rounds were ongoing, we decided to meet Dr. Deka first and then visit you. After that, we came to see you. Both of us wore the NICU suits and entered.
You were sleeping, but after a while, you woke up as if sensing our presence. You opened your eyes and then smiled, which was the happiest moment for us. We were just looking at you. After that, you cried, and we felt the urge to hold you close to our hearts.
Don’t worry, my brave son, very soon we will go home. After some time, we went back. At 2 o’clock, I brought milk for you. At 5 o’clock, the doctor called me as you needed one more unit of platelets. So, I rushed to the hospital, got the requisition slip, and then rushed to Apollo Hospital to get it. I came back to Hospital and handed it over to the nurse. Again, around 9 o’clock, I came to give you milk. After that, I sat outside the NICU and wrote all about today’s activities. Sitting outside your NICU, it felt like I was very close to you, so I sat for around 45 minutes before going back to the room. Good night, my son. We will meet you tomorrow. Ammu also sends her regards to her brave son. Good night.
Day: 9, 2nd Feb 2024
As usual, in the morning, I came to give milk and then returned to the room. At around 9:45 am, your Ammu and I came to see you. The doctor’s rounds were ongoing, so we waited for some time before meeting Dr. Moni to get an update on your health. According to the doctor, you had some infection, and your left leg appeared slightly bluish, so you would need an ultrasound, and your blood platelet count would be measured. You are so small that your intestines are not fully developed yet, so when pressed, you cried. Don’t worry, my brave son, you will be alright. We will go home soon. After the doctor’s rounds were over, we planned to meet you, so we waited outside. However, as your Ammu couldn’t stand for long, I asked the security lady to allow her inside until we were allowed to meet you. Your Ammu couldn’t wait and returned home. So, I dropped your mom and hurriedly went back to the hospital, where security allowed me to enter. I met you and got an update from the doctor that you have a slight infection. The nurse gave me the medicine slip, and after receiving the medicine, I returned.
At 3:30 pm, your Ammu and I went to see you. After waiting for some time, we entered; you were sleeping, and we got an update from the nurse that you were fine, and all necessary medicines were continued. Yesterday, I met a female doctor who gave me the slip for platelets; unfortunately, I didn’t get her name. I asked your Ammu if we should talk with the doctor to know more about your condition. She checked the file and briefed us about your status; platelets were not given as planned, and instead, they decided to use immunoglobulin to boost immunity, aiding in the fight against infection. Before leaving, we handed over the milk and returned home. Your Grand Mother (Dadi, Nanin and Nana, Aunties) were eagerly waiting to hear about you; she kept asking how you were sleeping and moving your hands. Every member of your family, including your Nani and aunties, called to inquire about you.
At around 9:00 pm, I will go once again to hand over milk and sit outside the NICU for some time. My brave son, we will meet you at 9:30 pm sharp tonight.
I arrived at 8:54 in the evening to give milk. A nurse collected the milk bottle, got my signature, and handed over the milk bottle. As usual, I like to sit for some time outside the NICU. It really makes me feel connected to you. My brave son, you will come home soon. Good night, the world’s most precious gift that Allah sent to us. Tomorrow morning at 9:00 o’clock, we will meet you again.
Day: 10, 3rd Feb 2024
I reached around 9 o’clock and handed over the milk. After some time, Dr. Moni arrived. Later, security called for an attendant to meet the doctor. I met Dr. Moni first, as he mentioned that your left leg still appeared bluish. There seemed to be something blocking your blood vessels, hindering proper blood circulation. However, the doctor assured me that medication would automatically address this issue.
In the evening, your Ammu and I came to see you. Your left leg was becoming darker, and the oxygen level was dropping, which I observed on the monitor. I called the doctor to inquire about the situation. The doctor explained that your health was deteriorating, and there was a complete blockage of blood circulation in your left leg due to an artery blockage. It was the most painful moment for me and your Ammu. Despite our distress, we didn’t lose hope. Almost all the doctors in the NICU, I spoke to each one, seeking any glimmer of hope. They assured me that they were doing their best, and I pleaded with them not to leave any treatment unexplored. I held onto hope that you would recover. You were fighting like a warrior, battling between life and death. Your maternal uncle was with me he was constantly giving mental support.
Your Ammu was in tears, and I could sense her pain. I tried to remain strong, but I couldn’t hold back my tears. I didn’t want to burden your Ammu further, so I tried to conceal my emotions. I couldn’t bear to leave the hospital; I felt an inexplicable urge to be by your side constantly. Even though I didn’t know the extent of hope, I believed in the power of miracles through Allah. I remained outside the NICU, praying fervently for your recovery.
We longed to hear your voice, to hear you call us ‘Ammu’ and ‘Abbu.’ We yearned to hold you, our son. Please come back to us; don’t leave us alone. I held onto the hope that a miracle would occur. Despite your pain, you continued to fight like a warrior
Day: 11, 4th Feb 2024
Until 10:45 am, I waited outside the NICU and then went to the room where every member of your family was present for you. At around 11:15 pm, a nurse from the NICU called me and urged me to come quickly as your son’s condition had become critical. I rushed to the hospital and saw your monitor, which displayed nothing but a blank screen. The doctors were desperately trying to revive you. I still could not believe that you could leave us. At 12:25 am, you left us.
We could not hold onto you when you were alive, and now I had to hold your lifeless body.
Around 2:30 am, your Ammu and I left the hospital with your lifeless body. We went straight to your grandmother’s house (Dadi’s house). Your Ammu was crying, and one thing that truly broke my heart was when she said, ‘I came empty-handed, and I am leaving empty-handed. Why did Allah do this to us?’ At around 7:15 am, your janazah was completed. Your name was Daif Hussain, the most precious gift that Allah gave us for only ten days.
You fulfilled your responsibility within ten days; you gave us all the love you had to offer, but we were unable to give you anything in return. We will live on with your love and your memories.
Note: persons name and Locations areimaginary