Photograph by Erik Lunsford.

“For more than two years, Tobey Miller hasn’t been able to read her baby bedtime stories and kiss him good night. The only home he has ever known has been a room at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, more than two hours away from her.

A rare kidney disease — autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease — had left Kyle McCarty, 3, attached to tubes and needing constant medical care. But two months ago, Kyle got his long-awaited kidney transplant. Later this week, he is finally expected to begin his journey home.”

Post staff writer Michele Munz wrote a heartwarming story about a young boy finally heading home after practically living in the hospital his entire life. Written with a good weave of fact and emotion, it’s a great example of strong storytelling in our own backyards. Read the rest of the story here and browse through a few more photographs here.