For those of you who forgot, Oct. 21, is Margaret’s birthday. She was born in 1977 in the afternoon at Memorial Hospital in Sheboygan.
There is an erie similarity to the day. It was Friday, just like today. There was a warm autumn sun, just like today. The temperature outside was mid-50’s, just like today
I guess I remember Margaret being born because it was scheduled. The first four Grasshoppers arrived when the contractions got to be 10 minutes apart (I think it was 10 minutes but but my memory sometimes fails me). In Margaret’s case, there was concern on the part of the doctor that your Mom’s health was at risk because of water retention and other potential complications. So it was ordained. Margaret will be born today and labor will be induced. No waking up in the middle of the night to rush to the hospital. No concern about getting to the hospital in time. No concern about the availability of the doctor. This new “spirit” was coming today in early afternoon.
Nana arrived at our house before we left for the hospital to calm the home waters.
I remember two things at the hospital. First, I was allowed to stay with your mom prior to her going into the Delivery Room. We were in this narrow little room as they monitored her progress when her water broke. I never knew a body could hold so much fluid. There was water everywhere. I am surprised that Margaret didn’t arrive on a raft or a surf board. They ushered me out of the room to a lounge area while they cleaned up the mess. Then I was told that they had taken your mom into the delivery room.
The second thing I remember is meeting the “rolling bed” as they came from the delivery room. Mom was still lying flat with Margaret in her arm. I remember asking how much Margaret weighed and they told me 10 pounds, 2 ounces. Now I know I will get taken to task for getting the weight wrong but she was the only baby over 10 pounds.
I remember going back home (2040 N. 6th street), parking in the back of the house and walking from the warm sunshine into the house. Nana was waiting to find out how everything went. I know she was really excited and pleased with the outcome. I think Nana always had a bias for girls.
So you see, Margaret’s delivery was carefully planned and the plan implemented. I don’t know what was so difficult. It all seemed pretty easy to me.
So to Margaret who turns 28 today. May it be a very special birthday. May she receive many special balloons. I remember it well.
Love,
Dad