At 19, everything is possible and tomorrow looks friendly.
– By Jim Bishop
Five kids, four birthdays and today is the last one of them for this year. My only son Derek is turning 19. Important age for a young person.
I have never seen a baby so little, helpless and hooked up to so many tubes. It was heartbreaking but at the same time I was happy and grateful that his prognosis was excellent and it was only a matter of time before he would be allowed to come home. The day following his birthday, he was already breathing on his own and allowed to leave neonatal intensive care unit. He remained in the hospital for the whole month of June and I visited every morning and evening to try and do as much for him as I possibly could. The weirdest thing I remember about that time is the intense fog that blanketed the city for the longest time. It almost seems like the entire time Derek was in neonatal care, the city was covered in fog.
The day he finally reached the desired weight and was allowed to go home was a celebration. I will never forget it as long as I live. Having a weigh in with the nurse, watching that scale and feeling the happiness, the relief and all sorts of other emotions, that was unforgettable.
Today Derek has grown up into a handsome young man. He has a heart of gold and remains very close to us all. I am convinced that I have the best son in the world. I'm so proud of the wonderful, kind human being that he has become. Couldn't ask for more.
Happy Birthday Derek! I love you!