Lucas & Hannah — The Night I Learned What Love Could Not Protect

I took the chair beside the bed.

Her labor was long.

I gave her water when she asked, called the nurse when she needed help and remained quiet when she needed silence.

When pain made her afraid, I reminded her of the breathing rhythm the nurse had demonstrated.

I did not tell anyone what to do.

Then, near dawn, our daughter arrived.

She cried immediately, a small furious sound that made both of us laugh.

The medical team completed their checks and placed her against Hannah’s chest.