I'd been wondering how many more of these severe thunderstorms we were gonna get before they totally destroyed all of west central Wisconsin. I'm sick of hearing my heart start to pound at the word "tornado" and even the spectacular lighting (which has been the only thing I've found remotely amusing about these violent storms) has started to get on my nerves. Not to mention the fact that every time one of these storms hits, I can't use the computer. I have a powerstrip but with a brand new computer, who wants to take a chance?
So anyway, during the worst storm of the week, I trolled around at work, sometimes watching out the windows, sometimes taking care of customers, but mostly leaning over the counter sucking down cigarettes like each one may be my last. Darcy stopped in to get some soda and casually mentioned that Mandie had gone into labor and had been in the hospital since 9 am. I looked at the clock: 9:30 pm. I wondered why no one in my family had bothered to let me know. I was upset but managed to shrug it off as I do everything ELSE that becomes "different" when I'm involved.
After closing up, I motored on home to do basically the same things I had done at work: Sometimes watch out the windows, but mostly sucking down cigarettes like each may be my last. I kept an eye on the tv's coverage of the storm until we were out of danger at around 2 a.m. I rolled over and drifted off to sleep.
Saturday, my father stopped over on his way to the hospital to let me know that Mandie had given birth (at 11:50 pm) to a little boy that she named Eric Daniel. Hmm. Wow. It's funny you know, there I was, assuming that this may be the last day of my life (or someone's life if it didn't get me) and there was my sister, bringing a new life into the world. Somehow, knowing that no matter what happens, life goes on. An antie again. Auntie Kari. Three nephews to call me Aunt Kari. Matthew, Jordan and now little Eric. Happy birthday little one.
Eric Daniel
June 26, 1998
7lbs 12oz.
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