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| Bridget - 7 days old |
"Oh no, Dad. Don't worry. I'm still 8 days away from the due date. I'm feeling fine. Have a great sail. I'll talk with you Monday," she chirped into the phone.
So we went to the boat. The weather was perfect -- like late September...dry, bright and breezy. My phone buzzed in the middle of the night. I ignored it, thinking it was John's. He ignored it, thinking it was mine. He slept like a baby and I tossed and turned -- between his gurgling and my achy shoulders -- it's a tough sleep sometimes.
At 8:00AM we woke, and by rote, checked the phones. There was a voice mail from Liz. "Water broke at 1AM. Am off to the hospital. Come soon!" John called Patricia, his oldest daughter, who had called and left multiple excited messages. She'd left Harper's Ferry at 1:30AM and was now at the house in Queens taking care of the dogs before going to the hospital. She laughed, "Dad! What happened? I drove up without you. I couldn't get you."
Scurrying like mice, we gathered essentials and headed home. We had John on a train to NYC by 10:30AM. Before he arrived, little Bridget was born. Tonight they are all together. Liz is tired and sore after 12 hours of labor. And, little Bridget gave everyone a scare. She started turning blue while Liz was holding her. Fast action by the nurses resulted in oxygen and inflating one of her little lungs. She's fine now, but will stay in neo-natal for a few days just to make sure.
After fetching John to the train at Union Station, I drove back to the boat. I felt at loose ends, alone and unable to take Forte Vento out by myself. I pushed myself out of my doldrums by washing and waxing the boat in the balmy afternoon breeze and sun. It's a good day -- new life and high hopes for a happy mother and child.
John loves kids. He has a natural affinity. His heart is tender. His openness and acceptance of them, no matter what they do or say is just amazing. Goodnight.
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