last call

tryptaphan & ambien

I was a week overdue with rising blood pressure 3 years ago tonight. I was scheduled to go to one hospital only to receive a call that there was a full moon, the weekend was coming and there was no room in the inn. Well- that’s how I remember it at least. My OB called (oh yes- the only one I hadn’t met in the practice and had heard horror stories about his meanness and ego). He called saying he heard the hospital said there was no room to induce me and bring this little one into the world, and how was I feeling; and if I would like and had my bags packed; then yes he could make arrangements for me at another hospital if that was agreeable. My bags were packed, my tears wiped dry and off we went with one last pause in the exit of our life as two for a photographic still.  When we returned, God willing; there would be three and life would never be still again…

We drove to St. Francis Womens’ & Children’s Hospital in Greenville; a mere hour away. The cervidil was placed, Lovey tried to make himself comfortable on the fold-out chair for a night in wait; the machine turned on to monitor and record the smooth, quick rhythms of  the last hours our hearts would beat nested together. An ambien offered and turkey sandwich administered, whispered wishes of good luck and health and cheer for the day unfolding ahead of us….