My memory of most Labor Days is that I had an extra day off of work to catch up on all my chores at home. I do remember one Labor Day weekend that stands out though. Seven years ago, my daughter Jennifer was placed in the hospital a week before Labor Day weekend because she was suffering from preeclampsia. She was so swollen she was unrecognizable. Her hands and feet were like balloons blown up, she had trouble walking, she couldn’t hold onto a pen to write. I would go to the hospital every evening after work and give her a shower and make sure she was comfortable before I would head home, crying most of the way. I didn’t know at the time that my daughter was in danger of losing her own life as well as the baby, too. I just coped with the day-to-day living, made sure that she was comfortable, and worried about her all day while I was at work.
Then came a call on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Jennifer said, “Mommy, they’re going to induce labor.” She was so excited, and I was so terrified for her. We waited all day Saturday and Sunday as my daughter's condition deteriorated. I couldn’t leave the hospital and slept in the recliners in the waiting room. Finally on Monday, Labor Day, my daughter’s kidneys were shutting down, she couldn’t breathe, and she was having a hard time answering questions. After a week and two days, my granddaughter, Megan Paige, arrived into this world via C-Section at 3 lbs. 3 oz. and fighting for her life. She fought the nurses as they tried to put oxygen on her, slipping her little tiny fingers under the tubes and pulling them out. Her hand was no bigger than my little finger. I didn’t get any crocheting or laundry done that weekend, but as soon as I knew my daughter and granddaughter were going to be ok, I went home and crocheted some really tiny booties for her.
Megan grew and can you believe those tiny piggytails?
Megan's still hasn’t figured out that she can get away with anything with me. Maybe I should be a little harder on her. Nah, I like being able to spoil her and send her home.
Megan’s still attached to her Uncle Joshua. They’ve grown up more like brother and sister than uncle and niece, and he doesn’t let her get away with anything. She runs right by me and goes straight to him. It will always be that way, and I’m ok with that.
Happy Birthday my Megan!!!! I hope all of you have a safe and wonderful Labor Day weekend.
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