Thursday, October 24, 2024
I think of Dr Baum periodically and have done so for 33 years, especially on my son's birthday. Dr Baum, I believe, saved my son's life in the NICU of St David's Hospital in Austin, TX. What has always meant the most to me is that, on the day my son was born, after intubating and stabilizing him, he came to my hospital room where I was gravely ill, sat down in a chair, and talked to my mom and me for a long time. Although I asked many clinical questions, he was patient with me and answered every question. He gave my son a less than 50% chance of survival but said he would do what he could to increase his chances every day. It took almost 3 months but I hugged Dr Baum when we took my son home. The last time I saw him was an annual NICU celebration in 1992. I heard he had left Texas. But I still think of him several times a year, especially, as I said, on my son's birthday. ♥️
