Sighs of Relief

In the post-op room, the mother cradles the infant to her breast. Surgery was a success, and the child begins to nurse. The father delicately strokes the baby’s tender head. He wipes away his own tears and finger-combs his hair. He smiles, exhaling great sighs of relief.

The surgeon huddles with the family for a few minutes. In the same tone as before, he now assures them of the next days, the coming weeks, the waiting future.

This infant is in safe hands.

The editor and photographer were embedded with the medical team throughout the entire week. For more Ecuador experiences, visit southernliving.com/talesfromtheroad.

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