Roller Blades and Rosary Beads: A Reflection on Trauma-Informed Developmental Care and the Healing Power of Presence

"Healing is found not only in the care we give but in the presence we hold. May we all find our own rhythm, our own beads of hope, as we glide through life, planting seeds of compassion and resilience along the way." - Mary Coughlin

There’s a moment that lives in my memory—a simple walk in the park, made profound by the sight of a woman on roller blades, gliding effortlessly, rosary beads swaying in her hand as she prayed. There was a rhythm to her motion, a grace in the way she embodied both movement and stillness, embodying connection with something greater than herself. It struck me deeply, reminding me of the essence of Trauma-Informed Developmental Care and Caring Science. This moment seemed to capture the heart of what it means to heal, to hold, and to connect with the people around us.

Inspired by this experience, I wrote a piece titled Roller Blades and Rosary Beads. In these lyrics, I hoped to capture not just the beauty of that single moment, but also the essence of my work as a Caritas Coach and Trauma-Informed Professional—a role dedicated to creating safe, compassionate spaces for healing in the NICU and beyond. Here’s a small excerpt:

Oh, roller blades and rosary beads, Grace in the motion, healing in deeds, She prays for the broken, she prays for the whole, With each step she’s lifting the weight of a soul.

This image of movement as prayer mirrors what we aim to achieve through Trauma-Informed Developmental Care, where each action—each small touch or thoughtful gesture—becomes a source of healing. In this field, we understand that trauma often resides in the body, that it can disrupt connection, development, and even one’s sense of self. And yet, through intentional care, we have the power to buffer these impacts, to hold space for both the science of healing and the soul of the human experience.

Embracing Presence as a Healing Tool

The woman skating with rosary beads reminded me that healing often lies in our capacity for presence—our ability to hold compassion as we care. In Trauma-Informed Developmental Care, this means creating environments that feel safe, supportive, and nurturing for babies, families, and clinicians alike. We honor not only their physical needs but their emotional and psychological well-being, recognizing that every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved.

Through the Caritas framework, I am constantly reminded that it is these small, deliberate acts that plant seeds of resilience and strength. Whether it’s a gentle touch, a moment of eye contact, or a silent prayer, these moments of connection affirm our shared humanity. They are, in essence, the “roller blades and rosary beads” of our practice—every bit as essential to healing as any medical intervention.

In the balance of wheels, in the sway of the beads, She whispers of courage, of healing, of peace, A carer, a healer, a light in the dark, On roller blades she skates, leaving hope in her mark.

Trauma-Informed Developmental Care as Compassionate Action

In my work, I’ve witnessed the power of compassionate, trauma-informed care to mend wounds that we can’t always see. Trauma-Informed Developmental Care isn’t only about reducing trauma; it’s about creating a presence that heals, that affirms life and fosters connection. Whether in a NICU setting or in our daily interactions, we have the power to bring gentleness into spaces where fragility and strength coexist.

The metaphor of the woman rollerblading and praying speaks to the resilience we embody as clinicians, parents, and human beings. As we care for others, we are also caring for ourselves, embodying the Caritas virtues of compassion and respect. With each small act, we honor the spirit within each person, creating a healing space that transcends trauma.

For the babies in cradles, for parents in tears, For clinicians who carry their own heavy fears, She’s a voice of the heart, a touch to the soul, She rolls through the shadows, making them whole.

Finding Grace in the Everyday

We often forget that healing can be found in the everyday—in the rhythm of the familiar, in the gentle movements of our routines. Through the lens of Trauma-Informed Developmental Care, we recognize that the healing journey is a blend of science and soul, grounded in the intentional presence we bring to every encounter.

The woman I saw that day, skating with her rosary beads, taught me something powerful about this work: that grace and healing are everywhere, if we are only open to see them. In our roles as caregivers, healers, and human beings, may we continue to find inspiration in these moments, carrying them forward as we create safe and compassionate spaces for all.

May we all find our own “roller blades and rosary beads” on this journey, gliding forward with purpose, faith, and love.

With love, grace and gratitude,

Mary

P.S.: To learn more about Trauma-Informed Developmental Care and becoming a Trauma-Informed Professional, visit CARING ESSENTIALS website.

National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) Academy of Neonatal Nursing American Academy of Pediatrics NIDCAP Federation International Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)