The kid came into the world not breathing hard enough, already in the grasp of cystic fibrosis. I found myself on an elevator with two NICU transport nurses that asked, ” What’s his name?”

I paused, still numb and looking to cling to the nearest grounding rod.

The nurses asked me again. Clearing my mind came the word, “Will.”

As in I “Will” accept this path. As in I “Will” you to live. As in I “Will” you to be mine.

It was love at first sight for this kid and I.