Being pregnant for the first time makes you want to know about pregnancy and well-being. Maura did the same by reading every book that gave her knowledge to make her pregnancy go smoothly, the best prenatal vitamins in town, the exercises she needed daily, and religiously following every medical advice. Like every mother, Maura wanted her child to be healthy, have a smooth birth process, and have everything perfect. Benjamin, the couple’s little angel, was born in May 2015 and was a beautiful baby. The joy that came to the family with his birth was immense; however, it did not last long.
Just eight days after Benjamin was welcomed into this world, things took a turn when his health began to deteriorate. The baby got a high-grade fever. After he got the fever, the parents were hesitant to take the baby to the hospital for fear of getting exposed to hospital germs surrounding them; however, seeing his condition decline, Benjamin had to be rushed to the ER, and only because the parents decided to take him to the hospital in time, it save his life. That one visit that day turned into a visit to the hospital. The doctors officially diagnosed him with meningitis.
A few days after being admitted to the hospital, Benjamin was intubated, and it felt like all the machines he was hooked to were keeping him alive. Being monitored every other hour was mandatory as his conditions were constantly unstable. Seeing his first baby in pain terrified Maura, as after the birth she thought the pain and restlessness were over, and now their house would be filled with joy. However, Maura was also grateful that they visited the hospital just in time, as the nurses told her that even if delayed for a little longer, it would have been too late, as the baby’s life was at risk.
The next morning, after being in pain, the neurologist came in to review all the tests and scans that had been done in the last 24 hours. While he reviewed them, Maura only wanted to ask if he would be okay, but the response was unclear. The doctor looked away and asked what she meant by the ok it depends. Benjamin had cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and would also have to go through severe developmental delays affecting his overall life. The seven-pound baby, so dear to Maura, one she wanted to hold close and give all the love the world had, was covered in wires. They did not know how long he could survive. With the baby’s arrival, Maura’s life felt brighter and better, but what the couple did not see coming were the problems and hurdles in their way.
After learning of the diagnosis, Maura’s wishes and dreams for her baby have shifted. While parents dream of the professions and college life, Maura has only one wish: to keep Benjamin happy and included throughout his life. Right before it was time to discharge Benjamin from the hospital, the doctors asked for a few tests, and an MRI brought the hope they were not expecting. The damage was not as severe as they had expected, and his prognosis improved over time.
Life for Benjamin would be different as he has to go through several challenges, from hearing and vision loss to struggles in learning new skills, but all the parents want is for him to be okay. A year has passed since Benjamin became a part of their lives, and the parents have seen him achieve milestones, late, but they were glad they got to see it. Present day, Benjamin is turning three soon, and still does not talk, but with the ongoing therapy session, they expect good progress and understand his slow learning. Benjamin is a happy child who radiates nothing but joy. They hope he is going to be okay!
