“Every time it rains, it rains, pennies from heaven.”
Penny continues to amaze us. Day by day she gets a bit bigger and a little stronger. She pooped today! Twice! The things you get excited about with a NICU baby. She’s still so frail, and nothing is guaranteed. Every day we find ourselves holding our breath, afraid to exhale. But she’s still here, and that’s enough.
We still can’t get over the amazing nurses, doctors, and specialists in the NICU at Northwestern. The support and love we’ve received from every one of them has been unexpected and unwavering. From acts as simple as rubbing our backs while we cry, to bringing thoughtful gifts for Penny’s room. The newest addition might be our favorite yet.
We walked into the room one day to find the cutest little pink, ceramic piggy bank with a handmade sign that read “Penny’s Lucky Penny Piggy Bank.” Our hearts melted. A note sat beside this li’l piggy:
“Jenny & Rick —
I found a lucky penny after taking care of your sweet Penny. Thought you could use this to collect lucky pennies you may find. I’ve started it off with a couple. 🙂
<3 Ellen”
If that doesn’t make you feel warm and fuzzy, you should check for a pulse. We’ll never be able to thank these lovely people enough, but we’ll try.
We now find ourselves looking at our feet a lot more as we walk to and from the hospital. Scouring the floor at Starbucks or Stan’s. Hoping for a dull, copper Abe Lincoln to be staring up at us, asking to join the Lucky Penny Brigade. A chance to add just a little more luck to our baby’s bank.
If you find yourself doing the same, and happen across a lucky penny or two, feel free to send them our way. We’ll clean ’em off, shine ’em up, and add them to Penny’s Pennies.
You can send lucky pennies to our current residence at the Ronald McDonald House Near Lurie Children’s:
Ronald McDonald House
Rick & Jenny Schuler, 1009
211 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
We’ll take every bit of luck we can.
