Jessica’s birthday. Hard to believe I have a 38 year old daughter. We were married on November 8, 1981 and Jessica was born nine months and nine day later on August 17, 1982. She was my 29th birthday present as my birthday is August 16. These last years August birthdays have been a lot of fun.
Jessica was born at Winthrop Hospital in Mineola. Sharon wasn’t feeling great on my birthday. In fact the plans we had for dinner at a restaurant the evening of the 16th got cancelled. Sharon wasn’t feeling well. I went to Cookies Steakhouse around the corner with my friend Mike Greene
The next morning her doctor told her to come see him at the hospital. He wanted to just check her status. After he examined her he told me she would have the banal later that day. I believe he induced her labor as the baby was ready for arrival. And he was good to his word. Jessica was born about 6:30 pm that evening. And I remember it rained a lot that day. After Jessica was born I found a pay phone and called my parents and Sharon’s parents to give them the news. Back in those days we didn’t know if it was a boy or girl until the baby was actually born. From the beginning of the pregnancy, in my heart I knew it was a girl. I just knew. I also remember her pediatrician Dr. Greensher, a good family friend had me observe his very first examination of a Jessica. He weighed her, cleaned her, suctioned her eyes and ears. It was quite interesting. I also remember Sharon’s father figuring out how to call the recovery room and calling Sharon. The nurse actually brought the phone over to her bed so her father could talk to her. We didn’t have cell phones in those days. All these years later the memories are very vivid.
It was such a happy moment for us. And Jessica and also Jonathan have been the blessings of our lives. They are warm caring people with good hearts. It could not have turned out any better. Well maybe our great son in law (maybe a daughter in law but remains to be seen as I write this) and two wonderful grandchild Jake and Jenna. We are very lucky.
