Grandmommy’s Notes in the Margin

On June 14, 1986, I married Robert Little. He promised me a “wild ride”. I had no idea that he really meant that!

On that day we started the job of blending a family…him and his 2 boys and me and my 3 kiddos. WOW! What a family we have become.

Today we have grown. There have been in-laws added and grandchildren have been born and adopted (what blessings they have ALL become).

Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary. It would be a sad day for me except now I celebrate the day we all became a family.

I love you all and I thank God for each and everyone of you every single day.

It’s ALL about you, Jesus!

I have one last birthday for the year…not counting the big one on Christmas Day.

But, today, is my Neil’s birthday. His was not without excitement either!!

My daughter Laurie had just turned 6 and was really excited about Christmas. We were having a baby…maybe for Christmas, maybe not. He wasn’t due until New Year’s Eve. But, she was excited about the prospect of being a big sister!!

I went to the doctor on December 21 and was already in labor. I had been having Braxton Hicks contractions for about 8 weeks, so I was relieved to find out the real thing was about to take place!

I called hubby and told him he needed to meet me at the hospital. My daughter was at school and it was already arranged that she would stay with a neighbor and my parents when “the time” came….and it was here!! Actually, my daughter’s school party was that day. I was the room mother in charge of the party!! I had been up late that night getting things ready and had asked another mother to take everything to the school…just in case I didn’t make it. I didn’t!!

Everything went pretty well. I did get a little tired before he came and wasn’t having an epidural (we did not have insurance, and I had done this before). But, the doctor ordered a shot of demerol, in case I needed it. Of course, the nurse asked just as I went into a major contraction. I was so looped that I nearly missed the birth! They all said I was saying all kinds of strange things!!

In fact, once the doctor told me it was a boy (I did not know what I was having), he asked what I was naming him. In my stupor, I said “Shasta” (that is the name of a store brand soft drink. I had been looking at grocery ads and making a shopping list inbetween contractions and they were on sale!). The next day, the doctor came into my room to ask me if I had another name for my baby besides “Shasta”!

Side Note: I just loved Dr Dube! He had been my doctor for many years and delivered both of my sons even though he wasn't delivering babies anymore.

While I was in the hospital, my daughter found all of “Santa Claus” hidden in a closet at my parents’ house. So, my stepmom told her that what she had found were gifts that I bought for her to have when I went to the hospital. When we were released from the hospital, hubby and baby and I went to Target before going home to “rebuy” Christmas for her. Joy!! I got in a lot of trouble for taking my 3-day old infant shopping!!

Oh well! He survived and today he turns 33! Happy Birthday, Shasta. I love you!

Twenty-one years ago today, my father died.

Our relationship had been strained and was only beginning to be as it should be.

I wish it had been different.

Hold your family close, dear ones. Life is too precious to let anyone come between you and your family. Don’t let hard feelings creep in. Love one another. Forgive one another.

Life is too precious.

I miss you, Daddy. Say “hello” to my wonderful Robert.