Evendays

I can remember coming home from school at 2 pm at the age of 17 and finding my mom laying on the couch crying. She was 5 months pregnant and had had a doctor’s appointment that morning. I thought the worst, but then she started laughing, which was very weird.

She explained that the doctor had been concerned after listening through the stethoscope and wanted to do x-rays, which were quickly done. Mom heard quite a bit of commotion in the adjoining room when the doctor finally came in with the film and said something like: Mrs. Smith, there are three heads and three spines. You are going to have triplets.

Mom cried some more there on that couch. I remember thinking what all this would mean to our family. Sister was 15, a high-school sophomore. I was heading off to University the following year. Mom and Dad were in their late 30’s…

And they were starting a second family.

My parents’ trust that children (especially triplets) are a blessing from God, and the expectant joy that entered our home that day changed our lives forever. And early on a Wednesday morning, December 1, 1976, our family nearly doubled in size. And tripled our joy.

Happy birthday B, B, and B.

Friday was a big day. Son 1 turned 20.

We remember the birth day like it was yesterday. Wife in labor all night, she woke me up after two hours of contractions. She wanted me to sleep. Timing of contractions, a bath and some relaxing. A thrilling ride to the hospital at 6 am on a Monday morning. I ran the red lights even though there was no need. You only get the chance once in a while. Wife doing Lamaze breathing and, finally, at 9:06 Son 1 came out with a cry. And he cried for 2 hours straight. A big baby. Long, long thick hair. Unhappy to be out of his 9 month lodging. Wife very happy to have him out. We were, and are, thrilled to have him in our lives.

When I tell the story (every birthday), the kids remind me that I almost missed the actual birth. The car was supposed to be moved at 9:00 and I didn’t want a ticket, so I told Wife I would be right back. She convinced me to stay. Insisted really. I guess she knew something was up. So, I was there when he was born.

And we didn’t get a ticket. Boy, was I relieved.

Taylor was born on September 21 just before 8 AM. My new NIECE weighed in at 7 lbs. 12 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. Sister 2 and Niece 4 are doing well down in Southern California.

Thank you very much for your prayers.
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Below are some Autumn decisions, dealing with God, family, church, neighbors and enemies:

I will love God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.
I will love others generously.
I will PLANT and WATER daily.
I will fill my mind with God, with his word and with beauty.
I will be grateful.
I will praise God and others daily.
I will work hard and finish what’s started.
I will keep my word.
I will laugh with laugh-ers and cry with cry-ers.
I will pray.
I will listen.
I will read.
I will search for joy.
I will count on grace.

What will you do?

Thank God for modern medical technology! We are getting ready to celebrate the birth of my new niece/nephew. S/he’ll be born tomorrow, if all goes according to schedule. Yes, to schedule.

The little one (yes, we know if it’s a boy or a girl—it’s not a kitten—but I don’t know if I’m supposed to tell) was inked into the agenda last May or June, I think. September 21 became a significant day to all of us in the clan well before Sister 2 goes into labor. Which, I think, she won’t do.

Please pray for her and baby for tomorrow’s special day. And, please, help me find those verses in the New Testament that talk about a woman going into labor… Isn’t there something biblical about that?