Nicole McDonald, mother of the previously conjoined twins who have been surgically separated, has held one of them in her arms, making the entire world skip a heartbeat.
McDonald and her son Jadon were left alone for the first time since the 27-hour surgery, in "one of the most profound moments" of her life, she recalls.
The doctors decided to remove the boy's breathing tube a week after the surgery. But the couple's other son, Anias, seems to be making progress a little slower than his brother, which is why Nicole and her husband Christian McDonald haven't been given the chance to hold him just yet.
Following the operation, the boys underwent another small intervention to erase the marks of incision on their heads. The boys were reported to be recovering well after the second procedure.
James Goodrich, the doctor who performed the boys' separation surgery, is renowned as one of the most skilled neurosurgeons worldwide. The intervention was the 59th of its kind.
In solidarity with the twins and their family, millions of people across the world used the hashtag #JadonAndAnias, which became a trending topic thanks to those who followed the boys' journey to separation.
The support of people was not just another social media trend. In their fundraiser to afford the boys' operations, the family raised more than $280,000 online.
"For over 13 months, I've dreamed of this moment," shared the woman in a Facebook update. "I looked down at Jadon's angelic face and saw him in a way I'd never seen him before. He whimpered for almost the whole two hours I held him because he had just been extubated, had the area under his scalp washed out and had been weaned from the good pain meds."
"But instead of wrapping my body around him in his bed, I wrapped my arms around him and rocked. One of the most profound moments of my life."
Based on people's reactions, it seems that anyone looking for updates on the boys feels as if they have been part of this very touching story.
"Your story has touched me so much. Your boys are so beautiful and you and your husband are amazing. I look for updates on them daily. Your family will continue to be in my daily prayers," commented Facebook user Marleen Palmsler.
And, whenever Nicole's Facebook profile seems quiet for longer than expected, people go out of their way to ask for updates.
"I'm hoping that no news is good news! Maybe a trusted friend or family member could set up a Facebook page for the boys as they make progress to keep everyone in the loop, if that's something you're comfortable with," recommended Julie Sorbie Stratton. "So many people are following your story and praying for you. Much love and many blessings to you all. Thank you for sharing your story."
However intruding this may feel for someone on the outside, the community the McDonald family has raised around their medical struggles is nothing but honest and filled with good intentions.
"I'm so proud of you and your family. Dr. James Goodrich is the best doctor; he operated on my son Michael Aponte when he was just 14 days old, for 22 hours," netizen Daisy Jimenez commented. "It was so scary but, thanks to Dr. Goodrich, my son is 22 years old now ... Good luck with your two angels."
