March of Dimes comforts dads in NICU

Father's newborn son had fluid in his lungs, bacterial infection

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – This Father's Day is a very special one for dad's with newborns. It's a day of celebration but it can also be a little bittersweet.

Channel 4's Melanie Lawson talked with one dad whose little guy is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, but he got a little pick me up thanks to the March of Dimes.

"It doesn't feel normal not having him come home and you and the mother do get to go home," said Michael Brinson, whose son is in the NICU.

In the past week, Brinson has had to visit his newest son, Gabriel, at the hospital.

"My heart just dropped. My stomach felt like it was all in knots," said Brinson. "The thought of not knowing exactly what was going on, it's a scary thought."

Gabriel had fluid in his lungs and a bacterial infection, and he's spent his first days in the NICU at Orange Park Medical Center.

It's not the ideal Father's Day, but every day Brinson's baby is getting stronger and healthier, which makes it a lot easier for dad.

"A world of relief, found out that he's coming home and everything is going to be OK," said Brinson. "I truly believe God provides for his people and he's just shown me right here that he's looking out for us."

The March of Dimes understands this bittersweet moment so they're here with a little pick me up for dads at local hospitals.

Wendell Davis is on the March of Dimes Board of Directors. He's a dad and a grandfather, so he understands all the emotions tied to this moment.

"Lots of little tokens and goodies that in the excitement and the worry prematurely born, you don't think about until you need them," said Davis.

This isn't Brinson's first Father's Day but it's the first he gets to celebrate with Gabriel which makes it so special, whether it's in the hospital or safe and sound at home.

"All the blood, sweat and tears that fathers do to make ends meet and provide for their family, you know it's just one day of appreciation," said Davis.

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About the Author:

Anchor on The Morning Show team and reporter specializing on health issues.