Special

Oliver was born without complications on a winter morning. He is the first child of Marthe and Per. However, within the first hour of his life, the hospital team discovered several anomalies, and Oliver was immediately transferred to the newborn intensive care unit. He eventually underwent heart surgery, and within a few weeks, Marthe and Per received the devastating news that Oliver had a rare genetic mutation. This meant he would have a unique developmental curve, reduced cognitive function, and require special care, particularly in his early years.

Marthe and Per grieved deeply; they felt as if their baby had been taken from them along with all their dreams. However, Marthe had little time to process her emotions; she was overwhelmed by the constant stream of doctor’s appointments, examinations, and feeding schedules. Some days, Marthe cried herself to sleep, exhausted and overwhelmed with immense guilt.

"How could I ever make it up to Oliver? It's all my fault," she thought.

"How can I learn to love this version of Oliver?"