We knew the name but had little insight into the characteristics or severity. The anguish is indescribable. Tests and theories. The myriad of questions seem to be answered in vague terms using foreign words and phrases. Imagination and it's partner would take over at that precise moment to deal the emotions yet another devastating blow.
Mothers are an incredibly strong entity.
After major surgery, emotional trauma spread over two weeks and severe damage to so many hopes, expectations and dreams, a mother will endure. I saw this mother cry for herself and her baby. I saw this mother demand answers when she was exhausted from surgery and days without rest. I watched her vacillate from adolescence to adulthood searching for inner strength. I witnessed her vigil at the baby's crib in the Intensive Care Unit until she was threatened with being confined to bed for her own health.