Yes, it was 75 years ago that as I remember it, Mother fell and injured her knee. I remember my Aunt Germaine telling me that they were going to have to take my mother to the hospital, so I would have to stay with her. I was going to be 4 years old in a few months, but I can still see my Aunt helping my mother up and that was all I noticed.
Things were different back in those days. My mother had already lost two full term babies, who had been born alive, but due to the long labors at home, did not survive long, once they were born. It had been decided that when the next baby was born, she would see a different doctor and go to the hospital and have a cesarian section. She learned at this time when "Tee" was born that she should have had a cesarian for al 5 of us.
Well, I learned the surprising news to me that I now had a new sister. My Aunt Germaine took me down to see my mother and the new arrival. Again, I remember very vividly sitting in the rumble seat of that 1931 Red Pontiac and refusing to go in the hospital to see my mother or my new sister. I can remember my aunt pointing up to the second story window of the Old St. Albans Hospital showing me where my mother was, but being the "Brat" that I was I would not go. I think today how miserable I was.
Its interesting what a child's understanding was back in those early years regarding the birth of a new baby. I had absolutely no idea that my mother was pregnant or that I would have a new sibling - much different than today when little kids who can barely talk tell everyone about their mother being pregnant.
I'm not sure how long my mother was in the hospital for the birth, but I am sure it was probably a couple of weeks back in those days, a truly long time for her not to see her "Bratty Son."
Normally I would cook something special for Tee's Birthday Dinner, but as I get older, don't do a lot of cooking, so will be taking her out to lunch and certainly hope she has a wonderful 75th Birthday.
HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY "TEE"
