Proud Parenting Moment: That's My Daughter on CNN

I couldn't contain myself. I pointed and screamed, "that's my daughter." I was so proud. I wanted everyone to know that I gave birth to that beautiful little baby whose picture was being shown on CNN's Headline news. I was in the middle of McDonald's restaurant, but it didn't matter.

Cora's picture was shown and her story told during a piece by Elizabeth Cohen about pulse oximetry screening. She mentioned how Cora and I are working to bring change. My baby was on CNN! I couldn't hold back the tears, and let a few spill, right there in the middle of the restaurant.

I'd known since the night before that she'd probably be on CNN, but didn't realize just how much the moment would mean until I stood in that restaurant with my finger raised, pointing to the beautiful baby in the pink bow. She's mine. That's my daughter.

The day before I missed a few calls from Mary Ellen. Mary Ellen is like one of my best friends, fairy godmother and mother all rolled into one. She looks after me. She cares. She'd been contacted by Elizabeth Cohen about the screening. Elizabeth was looking for more info, and Mary Ellen told her she needed to talk to me. That night I heard from a CNN producer, got her up to speed on our advocacy efforts, and had trouble sleeping--hoping that the piece would air, and a selfish part of me hoping to see the little baby in the pink bow.

It aired, and was wonderful. Just perfect.

That's my daughter!