A Preemie Story - A Poem For Miracle Mia

A Poem for Mia

Sweet Mia, Sweet Mia....Our Miracle girl,

Our journey began at 28 weeks.

You were only 3 lbs. and 15 inches,

Yet as beautiful as can be.

You were ready to take on the world

And its obstacles and challenges,

With a determination so mighty

You would eventually surprise your surgeons.

But your early arrival

Left your heart and lungs very weak.

The opening in your heart wouldn't close

So they had to perform your first surgery.

You spent quite a few months in the NICU

And struggled with every breath.

The doctors, nurses and machines

All helped you while you slept.

The voices you heard while sleeping

Were of Mommy and Daddy saying,

"We love you and no matter what

Will take care of you 'till the end."

Then came the next phase in our journey

To finally bring you home.

We didn't know what to expect

But you'd never be left alone.

There were many sleepless nights

And moments we forgot to eat,

But each time we looked into your eyes

We knew we were doing the best thing.

With our unconditional love and care

You began to thrive and bloom,

Into the most happiest little being

Who was tougher than anything under the moon.

You've taught us so much more

Than we could ever teach you.

Your journey has been an inspiration

To all those battling, too.

One day you'll grow up

To be a fine young lady.

Full of so much love and compassion,

Who will share it with the world gladly.

You'll use your beautiful voice,

Once silenced by a trach

To share your experience and journey

To instill hope and faith.

You've given our family so much more

Than the blessings of a daughter.

You've blessed us all with the priceless gifts

Of hope, love and laughter.

As the years pass

And more precious memories are made,

Our family will cherish those moments...

Each and everyday.

Mommy, Daddy and Noa
Love you so much!

Written by Roxanne Antonio

Further Reading:

How We Came To Be Believe Achieve - Hugo and Roxanne

5 Precious and Unforgettable Reasons to Shed Happy Tears

There have been moments in my life I have shed tears, some through heartache or tragedy, but mostly because of Happiness. I've realized through my journey that, "Tears are the words the heart can't express."

Tears, over time, have been given a bad reputation. It's been a sign of weakness or a show of uncontrollable emotions. My tears have given me relief....a way to release and allow my emotions to pour out of me. So, whether you feel like crying because of hurt or happiness, let it all pour out! There's no reason to hold it all in. It's toxic anyways to allow your emotions to build up inside you, even if they are the happy ones.

Today, I had happy tears!

Reason 1. Our 2 year old daughter, Mia, tolerated her speaking valve (Passy Muir) for nearly 45 minutes! She did so well that it didn't bother her one bit as she played blocks and cars with her brother, Noa. She did her funny laugh and made sound. She enjoyed hearing herself and continued to make more sound. This brought me to tears! Not the sobbing kind, but the kind when your eyes fill up and you can't hold them back.

We've waited 2 years to experience this moment. Having a child with a trach who can not vocalize is surely a unique experience. When most parents would have experienced hearing their child at this age squeal in delight, say "Ma Ma" or "Da Da" and even cry, these are "normal" things Hugo and I have yet to experience with Mia. This is why this moment made me so happy and tearful! It's a blessing and it will forever change my life. This journey has been life-changing.

In the next few posts, we'll be sharing our precious and unforgettable moments which brought us to happy tears. Today, let it all pour out! Give your heart a chance to express itself without words. If it's the hurt kind, just release and let it all go. You'll feel 100% better. Holding it in was probably making you feel worse. And if it's the happy kind, go look at your silly face in the mirror and enjoy every bit of it!

When was the last time you had a good cry and what did you learn from it? Look forward to hearing from you.

Many Blessings....
Roxanne and Hugo ~ Believe Achieve

Click Here to Read Part 2.



Further Reading:
Our Miracle of Life Story - Believe Achieve Hugo and Roxanne
American Idol - Mia's Story

Why We're Among the Millions Watching American Idol This Year - Mia's Story

Millions of viewers have their eyes glued to the tube each week when the American Idol show takes stage. They're rooting for their favorites, and waiting to hear what Simon has to say next.

In years past, we giggled at friends who would invite us over to watch American Idol. We thought it was silly. But, this year it has a different meaning to us. We are proud to say we're among the millions watching and with each episode, we come away more inspired than the last.

Why this change of mind?

Most of you know our story of how we came to be Believe Achieve - Hugo and Roxanne. And for those who haven't, you can read it here. We'd love to share our story with you.

Our daughter, Mia, an ex-preemie born at 28 weeks, was born with respiratory complications. At less than two months old, she had a tracheotomy tube surgically implanted in her airway. This was the only way she was going to be able to breath on her own, without a ventilator. Doctors and Surgeons speculate that Mia will need massive reconstructive surgery on her airway to eventually remove the trach tube. One risk we take in performing this surgery is that Mia's vocal cords will be altered. Her surgeon says, "Mia may grow up not having a "normal" voice. She'll be able to speak, but she won't be a beautiful singer."

Most parents would find this type of news devastating. We just took the surgeon's words and threw them out the window. Don't get us wrong, he is an incredible surgeon and in the event this surgery shall happen, our little girl is in the best hands.

We BELIEVE Mia will find her voice. Altered vocal cords or not, she will sing to her heart's content. If she aspires to be the next American Idol and win a Grammy one day, then Mommy and Daddy will be her greatest fans. Her brother, Noa, can sing backup or even compose the music. We'd show her surgeon how her altered vocal cords didn't crush her dreams of becoming a famous singer. We Believe and we will Achieve.....Mia Believes and will Achieve.

The moral of our personal story is to not let anyone, even professionals or experts tell you that you will not be able to do something. If you believe in yourself, have passion and take action towards your goals, no one can stop you from achieving all you want. Only you can tell yourself that.

Now go and write the story of your life. You are writer. The pen is in your hand.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve


Further Reading:

Miracles Do Happen!
Miracle of Life - How We Came to be Believe Achieve - Hugo and Roxanne

The Story of Your Life