The birth of a child. That's what Christmas is all about. Not just any child, mind you, but one who we Christians believe is our savior. But this isn’t a story about Christmas or Jesus. It is a one about the overwhelming joy of becoming a parent for the first time.
Today is Dec. 27, and our oldest daughter, Sara, was born 24 years ago. It was, without a doubt, the most positively emotional day of my life to date.
As expecting parents for the first time, Jolene and I did not know what to, well, expect. On the evening of Dec. 26, 1997, we spent a typical Friday evening by going to the movies. We chose to see Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton in “Dante’s Peak,” a flick about a dormant volcano that was about to erupt. That should have been a sign.
After going to bed that evening, Jolene got up to go the restroom, and I heard her calmy say to me from across the bedroom, “I think my water broke.” She wasn’t due for another month, so my reply was, “Are you sure?” and I rolled over in bed. She then proved her point by pitching her wet undergarments at my head from 12 feet away with Nolan Ryan’s speed and accuracy.
The race was on, and I packed up our Ford Explorer and maneuvered through I-235 to the hospital like Mario Andretti. And thank goodness, as our beautiful daughter Sara was born within a couple hours on that early Saturday morning.
I will never forget the first time I held her in my arms. The tears rolled down my face in pure happiness as I stared into her eyes, wondering how something so small and innocent could have so much of an impact. Yes, the birth of a child is a truly amazing thing.
The next day was Sunday, and I chose to attend mass at St. Ambrose Cathedral in downtown Des Moines, which was adorned in full Christmas decorations. As I gave thanks for this wonderful addition to our lives, I again became overwhelmed with tears of joy.
The years ahead were filled with even more joy. I could not wait to get home from work each day to see her waiting for me at the door. I would chase her around the house, and we would play a little game we created called “1, 2, 3,” where I would hold her in my arms, swing her back and forth while counting to three, and toss her into a pile of pillows on our bed while she giggled profusely. Then I would get on my hands and knees while she would crawl on top of my back to play “horsey.” Those were wonderful days, and I hope this trip down memory lane sparks a few pleasant remembrances for many of you, too.
Sara turns 24 today, and she came home for Christmas from her newfound home in California. We haven’t played “1, 2, 3” or “horsey,” but simply seeing her brings me those familiar emotions and a continued fascination about the birth of not just any child, but my baby girl. Happy birthday, Sara.
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
