Chapter 18

The helpfulness of the Millers is exhibited again through the lending of the horse in the beginning of the chapter. Eric is finally starting to come out of his funk, possibly because he is sensing the new birth about to take place. I believe they took a pretty high risk in choosing to give birth in the house, not in a hospital setting, where both the mother’s and the baby’s health could be constantly monitored. It doesn't even seem that they were agaist it, rather they didn't really have a choice since they didn't have insurance anymore. Happily everything turned out well, despite the feelings of despair that both Mary and Eric went through, with the irregularity of contractions and Eric’s car breaking down on his way to get the nurse. Funny how after all the physical endurance tests he has been trough lately, this birth was Eric's toughest test. The continued support from the Millers during and after the birth of little Hans is undeniable.