Evan was 10 weeks premature and spent the early part of his life in an intensive care nursery. His parents, Carolyn and Terry, went through the process along with him until he was able to come home. The family experienced great emotional and physical stress during this time as Evan became stronger and better able to survive outside the hospital. As much a the parents wanted to take Evan home, when the time came that they could, they found it a frightening prospect. At home, Evan developed gastrointestinal problems, and he was sent back to the hospital when he lost weight. Carolyn experienced a period of uncertainty and lack of confidence as a result.
The hospital talked to the parents about a home-based program called "First Years Together," a collaborative project. Carolyn began to accept the idea of outside help and that some people with experience might be better able to show her what to do. Carolyn wanted to be a "good mother" and listened closely to suggestions and instructions, but this case shows how much energy and confidence this sort of experience can take from a young parent. It is also made clear that the parents will have to consider the child's development carefully in light of his being premature. the program lasted about a year, and after that the parents continued to worry as might be expected even as Evan improved and they became more confident as parents.
"An orange Raincoat" tells of Pearl and her 9-month-old son, Robert, and how they attend an infant development program to prevent Robert from being removed from the home. Pearl is mentally retarded. Pearl does not want to go to these sessions, and the staff is frustrated at being unable to gain her trust. Pearl wears an orange raincoat, and at first she does not take it off. It may symbolize some protection from the outside world.
Pearl's attitude was deemed poor, and the staff did not know what to do about her. She remaine
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