Babe
[Written by Jimbo's mother in her book "My Son Jimbo"]
Surprise
We always told Lem Showell that it was his fault I got pregnant. They had invited us to a party for Robert Weaver, Secretary of Housing. Weaver got held up and arrived two hours late. In the meantime, we all kept drinking martinis. I can barely remember Weaver, let alone getting home.
When a few weeks later it became apparent that number 6 was on the way in spite of our always taking every precaution … well, it turned out that “always” didn’t include after Lem’s party.
On the delivery table, as I watched the breech proceedings in an overhead mirror, the doctor said as he pointed out an emerging shape, “Hey, know what that is? … It’s his balls!” That’s how I found out I had a second son.
He weighed all of 4 lbs, 8 oz. and wanted to be fed every two hours. He would only sleep if he were wrapped up tight in a blanket. He wasn’t ready to be in the world yet.
Tags: born, jimbo, Lem Showell, Robert Weaver, son
Kimberly
Your mom is hilarious! It’s fun to have the lighter side mixed in with the tragedy of losing Jim.
After laughing, though, you still can’t deny the poignancy of this baby coming into the world too soon, and then leaving it, again, way too soon.
March 5, 2009 >> 5:01 am
admin
Kiimberly, thank you so much for reading these posts and commenting. I knew you would “get” it, given your love for your daughter and your near misses with her life. Every child is unique and special, and the loss felt as tragic to those who are closest. May you continue your life with Kristina far into the future.
March 5, 2009 >> 7:12 am