MIAGD: Make it a great day

Fifty six years ago, this morning, my 19 year old mother, experiencing her second day of contractions, refused to go to the hospital because she knew the time wasn’t right.

I always loved hearing Mother’s account of the days leading up to my birth, coupled with the commentaries from my grandparents. What always touched me most was the eagerness with which they reminisced those three days in September 1964.

What has impressed me, most, was how calm and in charge Mother remained during the overture of her first child’s debut. She ignored the encouragement of Dr. Ulrey, my two grandmothers, the neighbor lady, Kate Wolff, and others to go to the hospital.

“It’s not time. I’ll leave when I feel I must so I’m not wasting anyone’s time,” she countered.

In the meantime, she continued with her routine of cleaning the house, competing laundry and ironing, and preparing my nursery. My grandmother, Donna Barmes,who lived on the opposite corner of the block, was at her side as much as possible but she and Grandpa Leroy were only 40 and 42 and still had a twelve and ten year old son at home.

Mother didn’t leave for the hospital until after midnight the morning of September 25th, confident she still had plenty of time. And she did. I wasn’t born until 6:03 PM, Friday evening.

I hate to use the phrase Mother was “trusting her gut,” but Mother always maintained steady calmness and calculated decisions. She was not easily budged. Her biggest concern, always, was to not inconvenience others.

Too often, I feel we are apt to be too reactionary rather than calculated. It is important we know the facts, the calculations, and the right time to make a move.

It’s patience.

It’s planning.

It’s trusting your gut.

It’s knowing the right moment.

However, any time is the “right moment” when we decide to make it a great day.