The moment I became a mom of 2, my life was supposed to change, but not like this. I was a working mom, balancing my career with the excitement of a new baby. I had plans, goals, and a vision for what our family life would look like. Then, my baby arrived, and with him, a curveball I never saw coming: health complications that plunged us into a terrifying four-month NICU stay.

Those months were a blur of fear and uncertainty. My days, once structured around meetings and deadlines, were now consumed by hospital visits, the rhythmic beeping of machines, and the constant ache of seeing my tiny baby fighting for every breath. I learned a new language of medical terms, advocating for him with every fiber of my being. The joy of new motherhood was overshadowed by the immense stress and the gnawing question of when he would ever come home.

When he finally did, his ongoing medical needs made it clear that my return to work wasn't an option. Becoming a stay-at-home mom wasn't a choice I made freely; it was a necessity. This has been a complex emotional journey. There are days I grieve the loss of my professional identity, the career I worked so hard to build. My days are now filled with therapies, doctor appointments, medication schedules, and the constant vigilance required to manage his condition. It's a demanding, all-encompassing role that can feel isolating at times.

But amidst the challenges, there's an undeniable strength that has emerged. I've become an expert in my son's care, a fierce advocate for his well-being, and his constant source of comfort and love. This unexpected path has forged an unbreakable bond between us, and it's shown me a depth of resilience I never knew I possessed.