221 Naming Our Son

(Winona)

A few hours later, Dr. Green pops in. The doctor’s face is calm, but she does look serious. Jayden and I stand on either side of our son, our hands still resting gently on his tiny form.

The reality of what we’re facing is beginning to set in.

“Congratulations on the birth of your son,” Dr. Harris says, her voice soft but serious. “He’s stable, but we need to be realistic about the challenges ahead.”

“What kind of challenges?” Jayden asks.

“He’s going to need tube feeding for a while,” Dr. Harris explains, her eyes meeting mine with a steadiness that I appreciate. “He’s very premature, and his organs are still developing. The next few weeks will be critical in determining his long-term health.”

Jayden nods, he’s absorbing every word, every piece of information. “Will he be…? I mean, will he have any ongoing disability?”

“There’s always a chance of health complications in the long term,” Dr. Harris continues. “We’ll be monitoring him closely.”

I swallow hard, trying to keep my