Every parent remembers the day their child was born, especially Mothers. Curtis in his true fashion did his best to make it very memorable.
May 11, 1989. A beautiful warm spring day.
I woke early in the morning to light labor pains. I spent the day feeling them, but they weren't too uncomfortable. I even contemplated accepting a friends request to join her for lunch, but thought better of it, just in case. Dave got home from work around four, and a friend of his stopped in. As my pains had gotten stronger, I went to the bedroom to wait out their conversation, willing the friend to GO HOME! Shortly after he left around five, I told Dave we should really go to the hospital. The pains had become stronger and closer together, and I was feeling alot of back pressure. As I walked through the living room, my water broke. Getting to the bathroom, asking Dave to get me a fresh set of clothing so we could get going, my body took over. Curtis had other plans than to have an ordinary birth at the hospital. Within minutes at 5:04, he was there in our arms, all 10 pounds 11 ounces of him.
Our Pastor told the story of a rushed birth as part of the eulogy. He noted that Dave and I were the only ones present to welcome him into the world. No doctors or nurses, no waiting family members, just his parents. After we assured he was healthy and breathing, we realized how special, although scary, that moment was.
As much as a child changes your life when they enter it, I have found the change is even greater when you lose one, for different reasons. No nine months to prepare, no bundle of joy, but with the same sleepless nights and worry. Instead of milestones, you only have memories. With a baby at home you have something to live for, now you must find a way to live on. The birthday boy will be forever 20.
Curtis left this world just five weeks shy of his 21st birthday in the same grandiose fashion as his birth, always remembered. Happy Birthday Curtis, you will always be loved for the many surprises you brought me.
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