Martin and Melissa

Melissa, all grown up with her child, Jake.

I learned of MartinLuther King Jr through newspapers, television and books.

I learned of Melissa DeAnne first hand. She is our first child.

Thirty-six years ago my water broke. I had always laughed that a husband would grab the suitcase and forget the wife. Well....he forgot me, but only for a moment or two and tried to cover by saying he was just putting the suitcase in the car.

This was a new experience and no matter who has told you what, it never is that way. I think my best piece of advice came from my mother. She said the baby will know when it's time, then just push like you need to poop.

I arrived to find I was not in labor. After twelve pills and one shot to start the labor, a shot to stop it(I needed to rest) and another shot to start it again, I am in labor.

These were the times when the mother should be medicated, the child birthed quietly with no input by anyone but the doctors. Some form of gas canister was strapped to my wrist and I was forced to inhale this stuff. It made me sick. My husband tried to come to my aid, the nurses would not listen. I took over!

This THING on my wrist became a weapon. Trying to force any nurse or doctor to remove it, I cursed! Now I knew better but what a wonderful opportunity to be able to use those horrible words I learned through my life time! I could be forgiven because I was in labor AND drugged. I also discovered I was quite good at it.

The labor progressed too slowly for me. At this point I had been in and out of labor for three days. Their solution was more drugs!!!!

Being the farm girl that I was and am, I asked the nurses for a toe sack. But, why, honey, do you need a toe sack( a burlap sack held potatoes, just my guess, thus the name). I said wrap it around that baby's legs and pull it out. This was a common method used in pulling calves.

I had the pleasure of drawing a large foreboding commanding nurse of recent German descent, still had the accent. The doctor was not there (of course) when things got ready to happen. She told me don't push, don't push, the doctor's not here. Well, MZ German Tank, this baby is coming anyway!!! She was trying to hold my legs together!!! I found out later, she had never had a child.

I awoke in the delivery room to be told we had a healthy daughter weighing eight pounds and nine ounces. I also awoke to an entire class of student nurses watching the doctor tying knots...down there.

Okay, you who laugh! This was thirty six years ago and we have come along way, Thank God.

Today I say Happy Birthday to Martin and Melissa.
May all your dreams come true.
Love ya, kid!!!!