CMV

I was born with a virus known as cetameglovirus (CMV), it is a member of the herpes family of viruses, and is very common. Between 50-85% of people experience the infection by the time they are 40 years old.

It normally does not cause any serious symptoms, usually the symptoms are mild if there are any. However for cetrain high-risk groups it can some cause serious symptoms. Unborn babies whose mothers become infected with CMV during the pregnancy, or children and adults whose immune system have been weekend by the disease or drug treatment, such as organ transplant recipients or people infected with HIV are at high risk for serious symptoms of CMV.

My mom became infected with the virus while she was still pregnant with me, I was born very ill, and was only given 3 weeks to live. The doctors said if I did survive my life would not be normal, I wouldnt be able to walk, I would be mentally disabled, and much more. However I made it and Im living today with only one remaining side effect of the virus. My right ear is completely deaf, and has been since I was born, therefore it is not a hinderance to me.

I spent alot of time in the Hospital for Sick Children when I was young, and I look forward to the moment I come full circle, taking care of infants who are just like me!

KidsHealth.(2006).Cetameglovirus.Retrieved Dec. 2, 2008 from http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/cytomegalovirus.html

His Laugh makes me Laugh

I believe this video demonstrates how a baby can be therapeutic for another person, notice the dads joy. I can imagine I would feel the same way if I had also been there experiencing this with him. However I have had many moments such as this in my life that have lead to my conclusion that babies are therapeutic. As a student and future nurse I hope that I will experience infants with the same joy as this amazing little boy. Hopefully their joy, will provide me the strength to continue being a nurse on the challenging days that I may face.

The Therapeutic Effects of Babies

For many teens today, it is a shame that they are not able to experience the therapeutic effects of an infant.
My life has been blessed by several infants of whom I have had the opportunity to care for and love like my own family.
Taking care of infants comes so naturally to me, and often I feel that these infants are what help get me through tough situations. I believe that they are very perceptive of the people around them, and I have seen them comfort me in their own little ways whenever I am upset or stressed. All I know is that when I walk away from holding an infant when I am stressed, it is like a burden has been lifted. I truly believe that they are God's greatest gift to me, and I want to make a difference in many more infants lives just like they have made a difference in mine. Which is exactly why I choose to become a nurse, I hope that in the future I will be working in an NICU, or mother-baby unit where I will be a blessing not only to the infants I care for but for their families as well.