On the Tuesday before Christmas, we went back to visit Memorial Hermann’s NICU. We simply planned to drop off the NICU Christmas Letter, which we are holding in the above picture and the text is provided below. A 23-year veteran nurse who remembered us, inquired about why we did not have a dog. Since we planned on it being a quick in-and-out, Mike left his guide dog at home, and he is holding a white cane in the picture.

Next, we were provided an unexpected quick tour of the NICU. While we did not remember Eric’s bed number, Wendy was able to point out the room we stayed in 18 Christmas Eves before and the exact spot where Eric’s bed had been in the NICU. Wendy, Taylor, and Eric whispered to Mike that there was a tiny baby starting out their life journey in an open air crib like the one Eric occupied for seven weeks. We all felt a flood of emotions. For the most part, everyone in the Royal Family remained dry-eyed.

NICU Christmas Letter

From The Royal Family

December 2023

Merry Christmas to NICU Parents and Siblings. 18 years ago our family was experiencing similar circumstances to those you are living right now. We are sharing our thoughts and prayers with you in the hope you can find some comfort and peace as you navigate the highs and lows of NICU life this Christmas season. Please use the $25 gift card to grab a quick snack or cup of coffee as you rush back-and-forth between home and the NICU.

Eric was born on November 5, 2005, at 29 weeks to proud parents Mike and Wendy. He joined his big sister Taylor to complete our family. Seven weeks later on Christmas Eve we were dismissed from the NICU and got to bring Eric home with us just in time for Christmas 2005. Today, Eric is a typical high school senior. He works at H-E-B, enjoys working out, and plans to attend college next fall.

You can read more about our story on the Royal Family Birth weight fund raising page found at https://blindcaninesports.com.

Best Wishes

Mike, Wendy, Taylor and Eric

For more Eric stories, use this link to read all the March of Dimes posts.