21 Years Ago Today

I woke up early feeling just a little out of sorts. It was 5am and I could have slept in, but I just didn't feel good. I took a shower, shaved my legs and tried to relax.

After getting dressed, I went down to the quarterdeck and plopped myself on one of the couches. People trickled through as the barracks slowly came to life. By about 8am, there were about 10 of us lounging around the quarterdeck either waiting for rides or just trying to get motivated for the day.

The pains in my stomach and back were getting worse. I finally decided about 8:30 that it was time to head for the hospital. When I announced to the quarterdeck that I was in labor, there several audible gasps and a couple of outright "oh shits."

Within 10 minutes, I was at the hospital and being placed in labor and delivery. Unfortunately for me there were no beds left in L&D so I got placed in a regular room with an older woman on the other side of the curtain. The good thing about this turn of events was the view out my window: I could see Mount Vesuvius beautifully from my window. Watching the plumes of ash and smoke helped me pass the time more quickly.

By 9:40am, Anthony Wayne had joined us in this world. He weighed in at a whopping 10 pounds even. He was 21 inches long and was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.

Today, he is Lance Corporal Anthony of the United States Marine Corps. He is still one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

Happy 21st birthday, Anthony. I wish I was there to help you celebrate.