Nice, huh? This is the lovely face of my daughter Elizabeth that greets me everytime I get a call from her. Aren’t cell phones great? Today is Lib’s birthday, and I thought I’d share a little about the special day she was born and the great young woman that she has become.
The day of November 13 had been a long and uneventful (as far as babies were concerned) one. Throughout the day my mother had asked several times, “Are you sure you feel okay?” Now that I’m a grandmother myself, I can well understand her concern, especially since the baby was two weeks overdue. During a shopping expedition the week before, I had even fallen off of a curb onto the hard sidewalk, but still no baby. She just wasn’t ready to make her arrival.
Late on the evening of the 13th, my mother and I were watching the evening news when she insisted that I awaken my husband and that we rush to the hospital. Although I wasn’t that uncomfortable YET, I complied with her request, mainly to mollify her. My mother stayed behind to care for our other daughter and later declared that she didn’t close her eyes until she received the call telling her that her daughter and granddaughter were both doing well. I recall that the night was warm and balmy and that I felt a little foolish about going to the hospital when I wasn’t even in labor.
We arrived about midnight, and shortly thereafter, my sweet baby decided it was time to make her move. At 3:08 a.m., she entered the world with a strong cry, and as soon as I heard it, the doctor pronounced, “It’s a girl.” He noticed that I was crying and said in a somewhat reprimanding tone of voice, “I hope you’re not crying over the sex of your baby!” “No,” I replied. “I’m crying because it’s a baby, and she’s so perfect.” Within moments, her father had cradled her in his arms and brought her up close to my face so that I could get a good look at my little daughter. I touched her tiny cheek and have never forgotten the hot, soft, “aliveness” of her. It was incredible…like a rose petal.
Her father and I had talked about names, but we didn’t finally decide upon one until we saw Lib’s face. We knew then that there was nothing else more appropriate than Elizabeth, a name that (to us) symbolized beauty, strength, and grace. It was a perfect choice, for today she is a poised, beautiful, strong young woman who blesses the lives of all around her. Happy Birthday, EPC!
mom's musings 
Thanks mom! It’s nice to make such a special appearance on your blog. I have definitely been blessed to have you as a mother and to have your constant unconditional love. I couldn’t ask for more! I love you!
Ah, you’re so sweet! Did you get our ecards earlier today?
What a sweet blog about Elizabeth! She is indeed a poised, beautiful, strong woman. I have been so blessed to have her as my best friend. I cannot put into words what our friendship means to me…No matter what happens or how bad times get (believe me there are several in medical school!), I know that I can pick up the phone and call Elizabeth. She is always there with the perfect words of encouragement. Of course, we have our own language, like sisters, so our way of encouraging each other is unique! I read a quote the other day that fits my friendship with Elizabeth perfectly…”A true friend is someone who sings your heart’s song back to you when you have forgotten the words.” Happy Birthday Elizabeth!
You’re quite a gem yourself, My Dear. I mean really…when you think about the many lives you will touch as a doctor, it’s mind boggling. Between Lib as a teacher and you as a doctor, I know one little town in SC that will never be the same.
Have you ever heard of Marianne Williamson? Somehow I stumbled across her writing a few years ago, and later a friend gave me a book entitled Iluminated Prayers. One of the shortest and most powerful prayers in the book always makes me think of the two of you: “Dear God, May my gifts begin to blossom in a way that serves Your plan? Amen.” Doncha love it???
This is what I mean about your flair, Jayne. What a beautiful way to honor you daughter and what a Happy Day! God Bless Her in her studies and chosen path.
Well, I guess I did get a little carried away with this one because of the subject matter.