And Then There Were Three
Excerpts from my Mom's journal and my own memory
"Early in the dawning hours of August 6th (1961), my water broke and we drove rapidly to the hospital. We needn't have rushed. In those days mothers about to give birth were put to bed rather than encouraged to walk around. I'm sure that if I had been allowed and encouraged to moved around, Sally would now be a day older. Finally early on the morning of August 8th I was wheeled into the x-ray room to see why this baby wasn't coming. Jarring me alerted baby Sally and she decided it was time to face the world. The next thing I heard was the nurse shouting "Crowned in the elevator! Born in the hall!"" And Sally was born.
"While I was in the hospital, an anesthesiologist came to see me. He was very happy that we had a new baby. He said he had been the doctor at Bill's surgery (see the post "Bill") and I heard afterwards that he blamed himself for Bill's death and almost quit being an anesthesiologist. The rest of the staff convinced him it was in no way his fault, so he stayed on, but he felt really good about Sally."
"I stayed an extra day (new mothers were expected to stay in the hospital at least five days after giving birth) because it was extremely hot and there was a stomach bug going around, which my doctor did not want me or the baby to get. When I did finally come home, Mom was there to help. Katie took one look at her new baby sister and promptly threw up on the living room rug. We never did know whether it was a bug or an emotional reaction. She wasn't sick very long."
I remember the arrival of baby Sally. My parents brought her into the living room in a baby carriage. I was excited, but at four months shy of my 5th birthday I said to myself "My job as their daughter is done now that they have their own daughter." I wasn't sad or mad, it was just a fact. My parents never would have told me that, in fact I'm sure that they went to great lengths to reassure me and my brother that all three of us were their children, regardless of where we came from. And so I threw up.
Sam, Katie and Sally - May 1962
That WAS a surprise! It's funny how you just know things as a child, viewed through the lens of childhood.
It is so good to read the excerpts from your Mom's journal - she must have known that at some point in the future, you would be writing this blog. What an extraordinary woman and you were so blessed with parents who loved and wanted you so much. The love for you had been growing since they adopted you and there is always room for love to expand for future children. I look forward to reading more about you, Sam and Sally and of course, your parents. M xx
I’m so enjoying reading your story- it’s fascinating to have all the different perspectives! I love that you are sharing this. It is well written!
Marvelous that you have your mom's journal! That's a primary source that, along with your own memories, offers proof that certain things did happen as you remember them. What a treasure.
Hi Kate, I've read all your posts. So well-written and so much from your heart. I look forward to your next post. This has the makings of a book!!!!!