Rachel looked at the clock, ticking quietly in the corner of the room, signaling only a few more minutes till the New Year.

Tonight, unlike other New Year's Eve nights, she was not waiting for a phone call. She knew there would be no ringing in the New Year with the ringing of the phone, no joyous sounds of a party in the making as she tried to hear the voice at the other end.

Tonight there would be no phone call.

The clock struck midnight, outside she could hear fireworks as the celebrations began.

Gently, she stroked the dark curls of her David as he lay sleeping. Once more, she offered a prayer of thanks that her son was alive and that she was here with him.

Was it only eight months ago that her prayers were for David's life? Prayers said while she sat by his hospital bedside, her hands holding his hands tightly, the lifeline of a mother's love to her son.

More fireworks ignited with a dull thud, showering the darkened room in a golden glow.

She turned to look out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the light show, when she heard him speak.

"Happy New Year Ma," her David said. His voice the only celebration of fireworks she needed.

"Oh David," she said leaning over to take his face in her hands. "Happy New Year to you son!"

"We made it Ma, ya know that? We made it to a new year, a new chance, a new beginning. We made it." He said as tears filled the pools of his vibrant blue eyes.

"No son, you made it. You survived and lived when others said you wouldn't. You made it my sweet Davela. You're going to be ok," she said, kissing him tenderly on the forehead.

The bedroom door opened and Rachel saw Kenneth peeking in. She knew this man, with a connection to her son so strong that it had a will of its own, would be checking in when he heard voices. Seeing that all was calm, he mouthed "Happy New Year" to them both and quietly left the room.

"I love you Ma," David said drifting back to sleep, holding her hand tightly.

"I love you too son," she said holding his hand tightly.

While outside, the celebration of new life, new beginnings, and new possibilities continued.