I was actually supposed to have been born in October, but arrived in July instead, three months early.
Before I was born, the local hospital had an "incubator" for "preemie" babies. But when I was born, they had just gotten a new "isolette," so I was the first baby to use it. Those holes on the side were for reaching in and caring for the baby. I was so tiny, that if they brought me out, instead of lifting the lid, they'd just bring me out through one of those holes. Mom and Dad had to go uptown and buy doll clothes to fit me. Dad could put his wedding ring over my hand and well up my arm. TINY! I was 2 lbs. and 10 oz.
I am forever grateful to God, and thankful for Mom and Dad, a WONDERFUL doctor (Dr. McCoy), all the great nurses of which there was a big list of those who cared for me (including a favorite aunt who was an R.N.), and all the prayers and help as I started out in life. GOD HAS A PURPOSE.
I always enjoyed my summer birthday, even though I felt I got the short end of the stick where school was concerned. During the school year, kids would celebrate their birthdays in class, but since mine was in the summer, I got skipped on that. Anyway, it was alright. Mom would always fix a special meal, and of course a cake. Chocolate was always my favorite. On the year of the moon landing (when I was 5?), we went to Colorado during this time. Mom decorated a chocolate sheet cake with funny "moon" things, and laid it on the camper bed with a towel over it. When we got to the campsite, Dad went in to adjust the TV antenna, and as he reached up over the shelf, he stuck his knee right in that cake. Made a big crater, which was only appropriate and added to the "moon" cake! Later when I was horse-crazy, Mom would top the cake with things like miniature horse models and things. Other times she would just decorate, and wish "Happy Birthday!"
I would often have a friend out to spend the day. Maybe go swimming, or just messing around having fun. One time during grade school years, I had the girls in my class out for a party, plus one or two of my younger cousins. (That's me on the left, in the "wrap" dress. It had three arm holes - you put it on from the front through two of the holes, then brought around and put your arm through that third hole to keep it in place. I thought that was very clever!)
Most times, it was just HOT on my birthday. But I remember one time I was somewhere in older grade school years, going to one of the restaurants there in town for supper, and the dark clouds were boiling outside. Kind of scary! But we enjoyed supper, and I guess the storm didn't do much after all. I remember I was wearing a halter-style "maxi" dress in a patchwork print that I'd gotten for my birthday. Funny, the things and details that stick in your mind! I can still picture sitting in that restaurant with my family, in that dress, with the dark clouds threatening outside!
THANKFUL for the years, and I shall go forth with God's help, and with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and have a blessed year!
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