Earlier this morning, I’d given her a call to inquire about setting up an appointment. I’d been away on vacation and needed to meet up with her either at CHOP (Children’s Hospital) or at her hair braiding store located somewhere downtown. Usually, I don’t return from vacation with my mind still fixed on a particular case. But, this child was different. He was a fighter. All through his 4 months, He’d undergone 4 surgeries and 2 heart transplants. Always swaddled in the NICU robes, transparent medication tubes and wires spirally turned into a make shift web always entangled his fragile body. I became his interventionist and connected with his mother right away. Even my lazy old fashioned French phonemes became another fondling element between us.
So, this morning, she didn’t pick up her phone. In a way I missed that. I missed her signature tone, her deep francophone reassuring voice. “ Oh, He’ll be back home next week. “ Oh, you know he’s going into surgery tomorrow? But he will be back home next week, and then you can come over and see him! – That was our last conversation. My last conversation with her, about him!
Today, I lost a client. A – 4-months- old baby. One I had connected with and had high hopes of seeing him develop age appropriately well into life. The news came in at the end of work day. And to think that I had casually called in to check on him through the mother this morning has left me speechless.
So, what makes you go hmmm? Is it only when you are wondering about something or perplexed about everything? Is it when you suddenly find love and afraid of getting hurt? Is it out of amazement or annoyance about something you cannot control? Is it when you lose someone you love dearly to death and you just cannot fathom it? Or is it when life itself puts you on an edge, turns your confirmation into confusion?
All I could say was hmmm with goose-bumps! ‘clogs of swelled-up tears now pouring freely and carrying along the once suited Revlon mascara I had on. It’s like I have never known or witnessed any infant death this way, but my heart bleeds for that tiny child I’d held once and had hopes of recovery for. My heart beats more for his grieving mother. But what do I know about things of life that’s baffling or inexplicable…
I only turn it over to the creator. Because He knows best.
RIP Jerome!
Yinka
#movingforwardwithyinka
#Moving Forward With Yinka 
Bunmi
August 24, 2014 at 4:25 am
RIP baby J. The life you lived, even though short, has inspired us. Praying for God’s comfort for your family and friends.
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Andy McDonald
August 22, 2014 at 1:39 pm
Nice.
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Lolade.
August 22, 2014 at 11:34 am
Well written. RIP baby J.
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Adeola Adejuwon
August 21, 2014 at 1:52 pm
Great piece Yinka.Only God understands…Rip Jerome.
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John Fl.
August 21, 2014 at 12:54 pm
Anthonia, God bless your heart. God bless your writings. I work in the NICU in Boston and leaves my home with a special prayer for those helpless babies on sick bed.I like how you’re relating to this through written words. It is a healing channel to connect to. Keep it up.
RIP baby J.
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Margaret Moore
August 21, 2014 at 12:48 pm
RIP baby Jerome.
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Mayowa
August 21, 2014 at 12:13 pm
RIP Jerome, Heaven has gained another angel.
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Nonso Ik.
August 21, 2014 at 11:12 am
Good one Yinka.
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Dayo
August 21, 2014 at 11:11 am
I like. Yinka, good write up. Have you completed the book? Please keep me posted.
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Ifeyinwa A.
August 21, 2014 at 11:08 am
Ah, my dear friend, it’s not easy loosing a child, but sometimes we just pray for what’s best and let God take over.
BFF.
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Toyin Alli-Baloogun
August 21, 2014 at 11:05 am
Nice one Yinka.
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Seeking comfort
August 21, 2014 at 11:04 am
Dear Yinka, I am one of your followers and always looking forward to every new posts you put out. This particular one really took me back memories lane. The heart of the interventionist and its role is always sidelined, but your passion for what you do goes beyond the pen, paper or email. You writing about this is certainly a healing therapy for you and a means of closure. I am impressed. A lot of people handle agony, pain and bad news otherwise, am glad you created an arena to let it out by writing about it, creatively and inspiring. You should write a book or a review. You rock. Keep it up.
Seeking comfort with my pen. UK.
Tumblr.
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Doyin G.
August 21, 2014 at 10:52 am
Sister, very nice write up, forwarding it to uncle in Lagos now. I like.
Dee Gansy. UK.
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Bolatito
August 21, 2014 at 10:50 am
Well expressed. I iike.
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ADE
August 21, 2014 at 10:48 am
I feel you Yinka. I really do. Thanks for sharing.
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Omolola K.
August 21, 2014 at 10:46 am
Yinka, I really like your outpouring. I am proud of you. Thanks for sharing. RIP Jerome.
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Jennifer
August 21, 2014 at 10:42 am
I like your tribute.I embrace your passion for what you do. I am encouraged knowing that as a writer, my immediate emotions can dictate the waves of my writing. I see that in your writing. Good job. And rip baby Jerome.
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Leonard Cohen
August 21, 2014 at 10:37 am
This is very good. Can I reblog in CHOP internal journal? How can I reach you to discuss more on this.
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Estelle
August 21, 2014 at 10:34 am
Well said. I like.
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Danielle
August 21, 2014 at 10:33 am
I know that feeling for sure. Great write up Anthonia.
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Angela
August 21, 2014 at 10:32 am
With you Yinka.
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Anita Faith Mako
August 21, 2014 at 1:53 am
Nice work! !! RIP Jerome.
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