Then & Now: An Atypical Story and Its Impact

Almost 23 years ago, Mark was born. He was due July 13th, and he arrived on JUNE 11th. 

Almost 23 years ago, Mark was born. He was due July 13th, and he arrived on JUNE 11th. 

His lungs were not fully developed, and he stayed in the hospital another ten days. I’ll never forget walking around the hospital and meeting women whose babies were often in their rooms with them, while Mark was off in that little box in the NICU grunting and jaundiced. He was whisked away from me the second he was born. 

It was difficult for me as I saw how much support he needed. 

I longed to have my baby with me and for the normalcy of taking him home soon. 

Fast forward several years—I loved having Mark with us this weekend, and I look forward to the normalcy of taking him back home soon — to his home! 

Mark had such a wonderful birthday weekend — and I will enjoy three more hours with him. 

Technically, he’s 22 until Wednesday, but he’ll be back at his house then — and John and I will be on the East Coast visiting family. 

That’s a big deal for me — not to be with him on his actual birthday for the first time, but that stuff doesn’t bother him. He had his birthday with things and people who matter to him. 

On Wednesday, he will be with his friends, and Ali and Brendan will be visiting him in the evening. Right now, we are all chilling before we take him back — and he’s extremely happy. 

It was not quite right not to have him with me then. It still isn’t quite right now. I’m still different from most moms of kids Mark’s age. He is more vulnerable than their kids. 

I hate that he needs so much support.

But his home away from our home is a healthy place for him and me, where he needs to be.

He is excited about going back. Things can be messy there, but he is thriving and growing. 

He may not be able where others expect him to be — but in so many ways he has arrived!