My brother and I were born on November 19, 2000, 12 weeks and two days before our due date.
I feel guilty that our health was poor, I feel guilty my parents were unable to take us both home at once, and I feel guilty that my parents' only experience with birth was so painful.
As I've grown up, I've noticed in an effort to counterbalance this guilt, I've done everything in my power to make my parents proud.
I often wonder if there are any other young adults who were born prematurely who feel guilty the same way I do.
Maybe this life I've been given is a miracle, but whatever it is, I know I'm grateful.
Persons:
we'd, it's, I've, We'll, It's, they've
Organizations:
Service, Business, National Institutes of Health