309 Henry Comes Home

(Winona)

I can’t believe we’re here. Henry’s car seat is strapped securely in the back, and Jayden’s driving slower than I’ve ever seen him. The hospital discharged him today—our baby boy.

Finally, after months of fear and sleepless nights, we get to bring him home. I glance back at him, his tiny little body bundled up in warm clothes and woolen hat.

He’s still so small, but he looks so much better than the first time I saw him hooked up to a thousand machines. Now he looks like any smaller newborn, but he’s already been on the earth almost five months.

“How are you doing back there, little man?” I say, though I know he won’t respond. I just like talking to him. His eyes are open, drifting slowly around as he takes in the world.

Maybe I should have sat in the back with him. He doesn’t cry, but he looks squirmy. I hope I’m up to caring for him. I’m very, very nervous about it,

Jayden glances at me, his hand resting on my knee. “You okay?”

I nod, even though a lump forms in my throat. “