“Nein…” he stepped back away from the hospital bed, nervous as he stared down at the little bundle in his spouses arms.

He was frightened. Scared his calloused hands would harm the newborn. He was desperate to hold his child, but he couldn’t bring himself to reach out.

“I might hurt them, Mein Liebe…” he spoke quietly, his eyes filled with want and love as he looked at the baby.