The Wait Is Over

Questions To Ponder

Friday began in Boston with Yael and Steph at Dr. Fleet's office for what they expected to be their final appointment before the early birth of Deborah in two weeks. While waiting for Sara to enter the examination room, the couple shared their thoughts with one another.

Yael: I'm really nervous, Steph. I tried to do what Sara suggested the past few weeks. I hope it was enough to get our baby back on track and make it possible to deliver her in two weeks. What if we find out she's worse, or perhaps gone?

Steph: Think positive, dear. If we clear this hurdle, then we can see the finish line and I will do everything possible to help you and her make it.

Yael: She might require me to stay in Boston instead of going to Chicago for the wedding and the final.

Steph: If that is what is needed for us to be able to get our daughter to delivery, then that's what needs to be done.

Yael: Whatever the case is, I want to have a quiet night at home tonight. If we get good news, I don't want to risk a reversal. If it's bad, I'm not going to be in a condition to be out with a bunch of people. I know you want to give Ash one final hurrah before you plan to end her career tomorrow night.

Steph: Last I had heard, Ali and Michael were coming up on this trip. If you don't mind, I'd like to have the three of them over. I PROMISE to keep it low-key. Let the younger set have their fun without us fuddy-duddies around.

Yael: OK. Leave a message at the team hotel for them to come to our place this evening, say 6?

Steph: Will do.

Sara came in and greeted both mothers. She then started examining Yael and the baby.

Sara Fleet: It looks like things have stabilized over the past two weeks or so. We're not out of the woods, however. She is small now for her gestational age and it means that we will for sure be inducing on the 21st. I'm going to keep you on restriction until then.

Yael: Will I be able to travel for the final?

Sara: I'd say yes, but realize that there is a bit of risk to doing so. If you accept that, then I'll allow it.

Yael: If you were me, would you do it?

Sara: In your case, I wouldn't. There is just too great a possibility that you could lose the baby with the two flights and the stressors that will exist both in the game and the wedding. It's not my decision, though. If we induced before you left, the likelihood is that your daughter will be in the hospital for a good period of time before you'll be able to bring her home. I'll let the two of you discuss this and come back in a few minutes.

After Dr. Fleet left, Yael and Steph took up the topic.

Yael: It sounds like I won't be able to go to Chicago unless I'm willing to risk losing Deb.

Steph: Are you OK with that, both the decision and the risk?

Yael: No, but it's either one or the other. I could drive it, but that's 15 hours one-way and possibly by myself.

Steph: If I may, babe, I could talk to John about letting EJ, Sarah, and I leave on Wednesday evening with you so that you have company and we can get into Chicago before their flight arrives, thus giving you perhaps a chance to get more rest than if you flew with the team on Thursday. This of course supposes that we're playing in the final. If it's just the wedding, we can make a decision in consultation with the others going.

Yael: I'm glad you're keeping a level head with this and that you're here. If I were facing this alone, I'm not sure I'd have made it to this point.