My first day as "Oompah" was quite the adventure

 

Lily turns 12 tomorrow!  She’s no longer a ‘little girl’, but a ‘young lady’.  I thought it might be interesting to recall my memories of that day.  It was quite an adventure for me!  

My mom and I had made plans to travel to Simi Valley so Mom could stay with my brother Bob and his wife Marilyn for the holidays.  I was just going to drive her down there, maybe have a bite to eat, go to Mass, then return home, because Alicia was due to deliver Lily at any time.  If I didn't feel like driving all the way back that night, my intention was to stay at the apartment that U-Haul had set up for me when I worked in Bakersfield, then drive home in the morning refreshed.

Everything was going as planned and we were on our way on time.  We thought we could stop every couple of hours to stretch our legs and grab a water.  Highway 5 would be the quickest way to get to Simi.  We got as far as the Westley rest stop outside of Tracy when I saw the "Amber Alert" sign on the highway saying that there was a delay going over the "Grapevine" into LA due to inclement weather.  I called Bob and told him I thought we should cut over to the 101 and come down that way, even though it would add an hour or two to the drive.  At the same time, I questioned why there was inclement weather on the Grapevine but clear—not even rain—all the way to Bakersfield.  Mom and I discussed it and we thought we would play it by ear.  We ate lunch just outside of Bakersfield and no sooner left the restaurant when Marilyn (my Marilyn) called and said that Alicia's water had broken, and she was in the hospital waiting for our first grandchild.  That pretty much made up my mind for me as to whether or not I was going to go over the Grapevine.  Remember, it was just a delay, not a closure.  I’d get Mom dropped off at Bob’s house, say a quick hello and goodbye, then start back.  That way, I could get back home sooner and be on hand for the delivery.

At the foot of the Grapevine, the snow started coming down--mixed with rain first, then just snow.  Lots and lots of snow.  Several accidents were strewn all over the highway.  I just took it slow and steady. Mom and I decided not to take any chances, and we recited all 4 mysteries of the rosary and the Divine Mercy chaplet, asking Our Lady for her protection from the storm.  Yeah, you guessed it.  Our "Mom in Heaven" came through again.  Not only did we make the rest of the trip without any trouble, but the scenery was absolutely beautiful!  All of that pure white snow made the drab countryside look as brand new as if God had just created it!  We made it to Simi at three o’clock in the afternoon.  I checked in with Marilyn and there was still no change with Alicia.  But the CHP had closed Interstate 5 just after we went through!  So, I made the decision to go home via the 101.  I figured it would take about six to seven hours versus the five and half it took to come down, but I had to get back.  While it was the right decision, it still took over eight and half hours, since all of the traffic that would have been using I-5 was now using 101!  Traffic going home was bumper to bumper for 23 miles through Santa Barbara, and it took a full hour to get from one end of town to the other!  But at least I was moving.  I had my rosary to fall back on (as I always do) for the times I got frustrated.  So I was able to say 3 more rosaries when I got really frustrated and I felt better afterward.   

All I could think about was that Alicia was going to have her baby and I wouldn't be there.  I had planned my vacation that week specifically so I could be with Alicia for the big day.  So I kept asking our Lord to let her hold on until I got to the hospital.  I finally got there at 11:30 pm.  

There was still no real change in Alicia's condition.  I went in and kissed her and asked her how she was doing.  She was in a bit of pain (naturally) but excited to get the show on the road.  But Lily wasn't ready yet.  Marilyn, Sarah, Marilyn's sister Carolyn and her daughter Frankie were there as well.  After a few pleasantries we decided we were going to go to the waiting room and try to grab a few “z's” taking shifts.  Right.  I was so keyed up that I must have walked 3 miles pacing back and forth and up and down the hallways and I said 2 more rosaries asking our Lord to make Alicia’s labor a bit easier.  I tried to lay down, but no use.  I finally got so tired I thought I could maybe get to sleep, but the minute I did, Sarah came and told me that Alicia had been given permission to "push."

Alicia is my first baby, and it tore me apart to hear her screams in labor.  After about 45 minutes of agony mixed with laughter (at Lorenzo, who was making some really funny statements throughout the ordeal to keep Alicia's spirits up), I went to sit down and get away from the moans.  Again, I no sooner sat down, than Sarah came to tell me that Lily had made her appearance and was crying loudly!

After shedding a few silent tears of gratitude with a prayer of thanksgiving, I ran down to Lily for the very first time. She was beautiful!  The whole adventure was a reminder that, while biology plays a part, only God creates new life.  I am so grateful to God that He has blessed my life with Lily.  She has taught me how to be “Oompah”.  Happy Birthday, "LilyBug"!