The Gift of Fatherhood

Thirty-one years ago today, August 3, 1978, we were living in Abilene, Texas. A tropical system came through, dumping FEET of rain. The town of Albany, north of Abilene, had nearly 30 inches that day.

During the early morning hours, Beverly, who was 9 months pregnant, began to feel very uncomfortable. So later that morning, we went to the doctor -- and then on to the hospital around lunchtime. Labor had set in.

But it was a slow process. And Beverly was SO uncomfortable. She only found relief by leaning against my back -- which I had to fold up like a lawn chair. (No, I'm not expecting any sympathy).

Finally early in the evening, the doctor found that things were not progressing -- and determined the reason why. He decided to take the baby by cesarian section. This was in the days when the dad had to bide his time out in the waiting room.

But I can remember it like it was yesterday. The nurse came out and informed me that Beverly was fine. And then those words that were music to my ears and forever changed my life: "It's a girl!" Talk about walking on air!

Today I am thanking THE Father for the gift of fatherhood. Happy birthday, Jennifer Laine Ross Bizaillion! Whether you like it or not, you will always be my little girl. But I could not be more proud of the woman you have become.