Release - My Baby Boys

Hooch

There are so many pj songs that stop me in my tracks, give me goose bumps, and send (positive) chills up my neck. But Release has a very special meaning for me and my family.

I've been a huge fan since Alive stopped me in my tracks in 1990. I saw my first show 8/29/2000, and can't wait to see them every time they're even close to town. I've downloaded boots of every show I've seen.

Anyway, on 7/17/2003 my twin sons were born 3 months preature (1lb 9oz & 1lb 12 oz). It was a very stressful and surreal time for me and my wife (and all of our family and friends). They spent 91 days in the NICU at Beth Israel Deaconness in Boston, with a good ammount of time at Childrens Hospital each time they needed a surgery (4 surgeries in all). Thank God for, and the biggest thank you to, the Doctors & Nurses who took such incredible care of these two very sick babies.

Also, huge thanks to the March of Dimes for their tireless efforts in their quest to help every premature baby to be healthy and able to lead a normal life. Their efforts are leading to more and premies leaving the hospital happy and healthy, and for babies being born at earlier and earlier gestations to not just live, but to thrive!

On day 91 my baby boys were in excellent health, in the neighborhood of 5lbs, and leaving the hospital to come home together.

We got everyone packed in the minivan and headed for home. My wife pulled out a cd and put it on... it was one of my live pj compellations and on came Release. I had chills, goosebumps, and the biggest smile I've ever had in my life!!!! I know I have twisted the original meaning of the song, but I think Eddie and the boys would understand...

I'm posting this now because we're walking this Sunday with the March of Dimes, Walk America. We're doing our best to raise money to help them help every baby born prematurely. This is a problem that is getting worse and worse all the time, and they are doing some great work. I'm not going to put our fund raising link in this post, but I ask that anyone reading this goes to their website and see what it is that they're doing. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

My boys are extremely lucky to be completely healthy, and totally happy. There are so many babies who come into this world every day, born dangerously young, who either don't make it or live but have severe and life long health problems. The dedicated Doctors and Nurses, and other hospital staff do miracle work. And the March of Dimes is working to help them.

My boys were released from the possibility of a life of pain, or worse, the possibility of no life at all. I pray for a day when this is the norm and not the exception...

I see the world
Feel the chill
Which way to go
Windowsill
I see the words
On a rocking horse of time
I see the birds in the rain

Oh dear dad
Can you see me now
I am myself
Like you somehow
I'll ride the wave
Where it takes me
I'll hold the pain
Release me

Oh dear dad
Can you see me now
I am myself
Like you somehow
I'll wait up in the dark
For you to speak to me
I'll open up
Release me
Release me
Release me
Release me

Reynaldo6

thats a great story and im glad you have two healthy kids. this song gives me chills just thinking about it. it such a majestic song. Even when i sing it to myself i get the some feeling.

bookmuse

Enjoyed your story immensley. So, glad to hear your boys are healthy and doing great. My son was born early too and spent time in the NICU (nothing like your family though). I was amazed at the little lives in there and the awesome nurses and doctors. I agree, I hope for the day that the norm is all early babies get released healthy and have a life of many possibilities. Love this song so much and again thanks for sharing

MtCanvas

I have a great respect for your patience, hope and I truly understand how Pearl Jam can become a part of your life's soundtrack! I understand (on a very small scale) about your situation. My niece (my only sister's daughter) was born 3lb 11oz (29th week of pregnancy) and spent 53 days in the hospital, and now 2 years later is an unbelievable learning, growing, laughing and amazing human spirit!

There were tough days for our family, but the help of the Nurses and Doctors got her through the toughest time. Thank you very much for sharing your special story! All the best to you, your wife, and your baby boys!!!


Thanks again for sharing this moment,

Brian

lightyears502

Thanks for sharing your story. I love that song too. Best opening song to a PJ concert ever.