1776-1976

 I remember the centennial year fondly

    The whole country was celebrating a birthday.

    And  on this date, Jackie and I were celebrating a birthday too.

    Our baby was born on July 13.  The same day as Jackie's dad.  

    We lived on the south side of Rochelle and there was no overpass.  I lived in fear that there would be a train blocking the roads and I would have to deliver our baby.

    Luckily, that did not happen.

    We made it to Rockford Memorial Hospital in plenty of time.....as I remember it was a loooong waiting time.

    Eventually they induced labor and little Emily came into the world.

    The staff asked me if I wanted to be present in the birthing room and Jackie and I both gave a resounding no.  The last thing I wanted was to faint and cause  everyone to lose focus.

    And I would have fainted, trust me.

    When we brought Emily home Julia cried and cried until we let her hold her sister.  Then the. tears stopped and the smiles returned.

    I think it was 2 or 3 days later, late get night, when Jackie started to bleed.  We called the doctor and he told us to get to the ER at Rockford Memorial as fast as we could.

    All the way up there Jackie was in the back seat with Julia while Emily was strapped in the front.  Julia kept asking, "Is Mommy going to die?"  

    But all is well that ends well.  

    Emily has a bronze cup that is engraved with her name and a centennial remark.  I always wonder if that cup has stirred her passion for bronze animals.  

    Now. that I think of it, it may be a copper cup.  I guess I should check that out. 

    Happy birthday, Emily.  We  are  happy you are our daughter and we both love you very much.

Peace and Love