Mieke

In the first days after the birth of a first child, emotions often arrive all at once. Joy, tenderness, exhaustion and the growing realization that life has quietly changed begin to settle into even the smallest moments.

This tear was collected during that fragile first week, at the moment of saying goodbye to the maternity caregiver who had helped guide them through it. Her farewell, and a letter written in the voice of their newborn son, gave shape to everything those days had held — care, gratitude and the beginning of a new life together.