beyond the pages

 Here we share our favourite children's books while adding insight from our hospital experiences & provide perspectives as educators. Let us know what you think! 

wherever you are my love with find you 
​•••nancy tillman 

When you think of your little one(s), what books comes to mind? For me (j), my favourite children’s book of all times is “Wherever You Go My Love Will Find You” by Nancy Tillman.
 
A close friend of mine purchased this book for us when Theo was in the NICU. To this day, it still brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. This book is incredibly powerful & touched my heart so deeply. I know it’s written for children however, it also speaks to the parent.  When I wasn’t able to be with my baby at night in the NICU, this book reminded me that my love was with my boys. I loved reading this book to the boys, especially when I was leaving the hospital for the night. Even when my boys were sedated, I continued to read stories to them, knowing they would hear my voice & soothing words. More importantly it helped me connect to my boys as I greatly struggled with this  when they were babies.
 
I experienced moments, with both my boys, when they were in critical condition and did not know how they would be in the morning. I would read this book over & over before leaving them at night. Not only did it help calm my paralyzing anxiety but the words also helped me feel like I was with them, even when I couldn’t be in the NICU. I recently chatted & recorded a podcast with another mom who lost a child  & this book also had a profound impact for her family.
 
I’ve been looking into ways of having this book donated or sponsored, so every NICU mama at SickKids would be provided a copy of this book. So far I haven’t been able to make it happen (yet) but… if you have a loved one who’s baby is sick, Nancy Tillman’s books are a MUST.
 
”You are my angel, my darling, my star…my love will find you where ever you are.”

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