Radiology, Orthopedics, Neurology, Rehabilitation… Amanda sighed and massaged her temples. Her head was spinning just thinking of all the appointments that were lined up for her baby boy. The night had been endless with Angelo’s frequent cries. Amanda worried that he was in pain from the damaged nerves in his shoulder. She felt helpless that no amount of consolation on her account seemed to calm him. The following morning, as the pediatrician spoke of treatment plans, Amanda’s mind was barely there. She was too busy mentally sending up prayers to the powers above that their baby boy would make a full recovery. So far, the pediatrician was optimistic. While Angelo didn’t have full motion of his left arm and certain movements seemed to cause him discomfort, with immediate therapy, the pediatrician was confident that he’d recover within a few months. If no improvement is shown after three months, then they’d have to consider a surgical option for their little one. The pediatrician tried to assure Amanda, mentioning that some newborns with such nerve damage couldn't even hold their arms up the way Angelo did while he slept. His grasping was still weak, but it would improve with therapy. Still, Amanda’s heart ached, but then again, was he suffering? Her attention was directed to Angelo and Emi, moments after the doctor left the birthing room. He was quiet while his big sister talked to him, on and on about the most random of topics. “Wook!” Emi exclaimed. “Dis is youw teddy beah. And dis is my bunny wabbit. I have a wee bunny at home, too. And Ghost!” Despite the tears in Amanda’s eyes, she couldn’t resist laughing. Later that day, once they were back home, Niels placed Angelo in his crib to continue his nap. Emilia ran into the room with an armful of toys. “Wait!” Niels and Amanda chuckled as Emi demanded to be lifted so she could surround her baby brother with stuffed animals. “Now he can sweep,” she said with a proud smile.
Amanda peered down at their baby boy. He seemed comfortable and at peace so far. His condition could’ve been far more severe than it was. The damage could’ve occurred closer to his spine. He could've had a paralysed arm. But no, he had treatable damage. “You’re one lucky little one,” she said, caressing his cheek. “Welcome home, little angel
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Amanda at a GlanceNames: Amanda Pontremoli, Amanda van Loon Archives
August 2017
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