21 years ago

Twenty one years ago I was in labor with my third, my son. It’s crazy what can be asked of a mom and what she can stand up and give.

I had a doctor’s appointment that afternoon that pointed I was in labor. Joe was at work and as a pharmacist couldn’t just leave. The pharmacist who was to cover never answered her phone. Joe told me if I had to go to the hospital to call and he would just leave.

So I was home with two little girls trying to give them dinner and get them ready for bed as I waited for Daddy. Their grandparents came to help but the girls could feel something was up and would not go to sleep. Crazy looking back but while in an active contraction I was able to get over a baby gate to get to my crying daughter. I was able to comfort her as best I could and get her to sleep before Joe came home.

After a quick change of clothes we were off to the hospital. At admittance Joe asked the nurse what she thought today or tomorrow would he be born. She looked at him like he had to heads and asked what did it matter. “Tomorrow is my mother in law’s birthday and I’m curious if his birthday will be her’s”. There was understanding as well as nope. Third baby will be here soon.

Eric had other plans. His grand arrival was at 12:04 am on Grandma’s birthday with the cord around his neck, a very unnatural blue, silent and me begging God to not let it end like this.

Well it didn’t. Twenty one years later I thank God for the gift of my son. My guy who has the best hugs and constantly wants to tell me how I should say things. My boy who used to love the two minute bedtime snuggle My guy with this big heart that loves so deeply and is struggling so badly right now. Regardless, God answered my prayers. He pinked up my boy and I have loved him every single day. I give thanks for my boy.