Discharged

The next day, February 15, we were being discharged. Ben checked out great on all his tests and everything was looking great.  I was gathering his things and packing up in anticipation of going “home.” We were going to a temporary home. The home of a sweet friend from college that was kind enough to extend her house to us for a few days while we waited for the revocation period to end.

The nurses on our floor had come in several times over the past few days to check my vitals. Every time a shift change happened I got to tell Ben’s story again. I would explain that I  wasnt the patient and that I was adopting this precious baby. Each nurse that I told was overwhelmed with excitement and was so supportive. They encouraged me and asked all kinds of questions. I could not have asked for better reception and service at the hospital. They were phenomenal. Another answered prayer. God is in control of the details. I believe that more now than I ever have before.

As we were getting ready the social worker told us that T wanted another visit with Ben and would like to get a few pictures. I had planned to visit her one more time before we were all released. So, I prayed again and held my breath. I wheeled him down to her room and handed him to her once again. She gazed at him lovingly and we took several pictures for her. Then we got some pictures with her too so Ben has a sweet memento of his birth mother later in life.

After the pictures she handed Ben back to me and we talked for a few minutes saying our goodbyes. I kept hugging her and telling her how much I loved her and how we would continue to think of her and pray for her. Then we gathered around Ben and prayed together. After we said, “Amen.” T looked at me and said, “All I ask is that you love him.” I promised her that I would love him with all of my hearts and do my very best as a parent. She smiled, a little teary eyed, and said, “I know I made a good choice. You are good people. I made the right choice.” 

I smiled back and said thank you and encouraged her again. I was holding back tears because I didn’t want to make that moment any harder on her than it already was. I gave her one more hug, told her that I loved her, and then I left. The moment the door closed behind us I let out those tears I had been holding back. I wondered if she was doing the same thing. The last image I had as I closed the door behind me was of T looking, with much love and much sorrow, at the pictures of our baby boy. She looked proud of him and, I think, proud of herself.

When we returned to our room I praised God again for the blessing of getting to know Ben’s birth mother. I desperately wanted to speak into her life, even if just for a few moments, and God answered that prayer.


I held Ben for hours and just waited on clearance to leave the hospital. I dressed him in his “going home” outfit that swallowed my 6 pound bundle whole.

I heard a knock on the door and it was a nurse with a wheel chair ready to take us to the car. I had to ride in the wheel chair even though I explained that I wasnt the patient. She said it was hospital policy and I thought I might as well get the whole experience. I’ve spent the last few days lying in a hospital bed with a hospital band around my wrist. I might as well ride out in style.

When the automatic doors opened and the car ready to put Ben in his car seat it started to become more real. We are leaving the hospital. No more nurses to call every time I have a question. No one to check on us to make sure we are okay and that baby is doing well. It was just us.

I put him in his car seat, shut the door, and I buckled in next to him. This was real.

How blessed we were. What an incredible few days has just transpired. The birth of my son, the building of a great relationship with T, the opportunity to tell Ben’s story and give God the glory multiple times. I was in awe of God’s power, provision, love, and grace. All I could do was thank Him, cry, and look into the beautiful brown eyes of my son.