Today is the day.

A History of the Present Illness is on shelves in bookstores and but a click or download away online.

The official publishing term for this day is launch.

To me, it more closely resembles a birth. Certainly the path to this point has included sweat and blood and tears. Equally certain, there has been joy, not least of all today when I have before me the labor’s fruit, the baby:

Of course, this is a curious baby. Though somewhat gender indeterminate at first glance, a certain fullness beneath the scrub top suggests she’s a girl. Her color is off – at least by human standards – though medically she’s right on target.

Like a child, she is now separate from me. Some people will be nice to her. Some will treasure her. Others may not like her, and there will be nothing I can do about it. That’s okay. It’s nice to see her out there, making her own way.

I can’t wait to see what happens!