Life in a Storm

“The weather is getting pretty crazy. Maybe you better turn on the radio, Liza—Liza!”

“Hmm…what?”

“Turn on the radio, sleepy.”

“Mmm…Okay. How can you see to drive right now, Mom? Those wipers are no help at all.”

“Well, it’s definitely gotten worse over the last half hour. These wipers have seen better days. I should have replaced them in the spring.”

“A blizzard warning is in effect. Falling and blowing snow with poor visibility is likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions…making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel—have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded…stay with your vehicle. A blizzard warning is in effect. Falling and blowing…”

“Okay, turn it off.”

“Mom, what does that mean? Are we not going to make it to Grandma’s in time for Christmas?”

“I don’t know, sweetie. Does that look like a gas station to the right?”

“Yeah, yeah, I think so.”

“I can’t see the road. This could get bumpy. Hang on.”

“Mom, I’m scared.”

“Liza, it’s fine. I’m pretty sure we’re in the parking lot.”

“I’m going to leave the car running for a while we wait. Let’s hang tight for a bit and see if it lets up. We’ve got to make it to Grandma’s tonight.”

“Mom, what’s that?”

“Hmm, what?”

“What’s that?”

“Uh, I think that’s a person!”

“Definitely a person and in this storm, crazy!”

“Roll the window, down Liza! You know the controls on my side don’t work.”

“Hi, I’m Margaret! You both are welcome to wait inside the gas station with me. I’ve got hot coffee brewing and the radio’s on. Might be awhile before the storm’s over.”

“Thanks! You had me at coffee, we’re coming!”

“Roll it up, Liza. Let’s go.”

“That wind is so strong, it’s hard to close the door!”

“It’s so warm in here. Oh, you have a dog! Here boy, come here! He’s so soft.”

“That’s Rusty. He’s only a year old. He’s a Doberman mix.”

“He’s very beautiful.”

“Here’s that coffee I promised you, dark roast. If you see a cat, that’s Craisin. I named him after a dried cranberry, because he’s kind of bitter. He’s only got three legs. He isn’t happy about it, either. Doesn’t like people very much.”

“Oh, I love cats! He’ll like me!”

“She’s very good with animals, but we don’t have any. The place we were renting doesn’t allow pets. Can’t afford them, anyway.”

“They can get expensive, especially the vet bills. Rusty helps guard the place at night and Craisin…well I just took pity on him. He was in rough shape when he came to me. Found him out back by the dumpster.”

“Can I use the bathroom?”

“Sure, kiddo. Go straight to the back of the store and then to the left.”

“So, do you own this place?”

“Sure do. My Dad left it to me when he died.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. My Dad’s gone, too. That coffee is so good. Can I get some more? If you don’t mind?”

“Sure thing. I’ll be right back.”

“The bathroom is out of paper towels. I used the last one.”

“There are some paper towels in the cabinet in the back room.

Would you mind grabbing them for me, kiddo?”

“Sure.”

“I think I heard the door chime. Let me see who just came in the door.”

“Hi, name’s Joe. I need some help, my wife—she’s about to have a baby!”

“Oh, my goodness! Yes, bring her in. Let me get some blankets. I don’t have a bed, but I have some seat cushions we can lay out on the floor for her.”

“Hee-hee…whooo. Hee-hee…whooo.”

“Mom, what’s going on? What’s wrong with that lady? Why is she breathing weird?”

“She’s in labor. She’s about to have a baby. Breathing like that helps her focus and stay calm through the contractions.”

“Oh.”

“Margaret, how can Liza and I help?”

“Go wash your hands with very hot water, use soap and sing Happy Birthday the entire time you’re washing.”

“Whooo, hee-hee-whooo, Aaieeee!”

“Go! Now!”

“Joe, you just sit down on the floor behind your wife, let her lean back into you. Try to keep her calm and focused. Keep having her breath quick, then slow—just like she has been. Her contractions are going to get closer together. First baby?”

“Uh, yeah.”

“Okay, we washed our hands. Now what?”

“Liza, get on the store phone and call 9-1-1. They probably won’t be able to make it in this storm, but we’ve got to try! And put Rusty in the back room. He doesn’t know what to do with himself right now. Don’t need him getting worked up.”

“What do I do?”

“You and I need to undress her from the waist down. We help keep her calm and we all wait until we see the baby crowning.”

“Joe, I’m Steph. What’s your wife’s name?”

“Hi Steph, her name is Angela.”

“Okay, I called 9-1-1, and I got Rusty in the back room. I gave him a couple dog biscuits out of the box I found back there…whoa! What’s going on, Mom? Why is she screaming like that?”

“Liza, she’s in labor and it’s painful for her. If you don’t want to see that then walk away. You’re only twelve–I get it. Just go over to the widow and wait for the paramedics to arrive.”

“Mom, it’s fine. I’m not a baby. I can help.”

“Okay, then go get some towels, lots of paper towels. Hurry!”

“So, based on how close her contractions are and her inability to breathe through them anymore, I’d say she’s really close. Let’s check and see if we can see the head yet?”

“It’s there, I see it!”

“Okay, Angela, look at me! My name is Margaret, I own this gas station and I, actually we, are going to help you through this. You’ll be holding your baby in your arms in just a few minutes, okay? Stay with me.”

“Angela, I’m Steph, I’m helping Margaret.”

“Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?”

“A—a girl…Aeieee!”

“Okay, keep breathing, keep your eyes on me, okay? Stay focused.”

“Margaret, is she pushing too soon?”

“Yes, Angela, only push until you can’t hold it anymore.”

“I—I can’t hold…”

“Steph, get ready to catch a baby.”

“Ready.”

“Okay, Angela, keep your eyes on me. Lock on. Now push! Push!

Keep pushing, pushing…”

“Angela and Joe, you have a beautiful baby girl. Ooh, she’s so perfect. Would you like to hold her now?”

“Mmhmm.”

“Whaaaa…”

“Mom, I heard it! Is the baby here?”

“Yes, come see her—she’s precious! She has so much hair! Do you have the towels?”

“Yes, I’ve got them, I’m coming!”

“What about the umbilical cord?”

“It’s fine for now. Hopefully, the paramedics are coming soon.”

“Let’s give Angela and Joe a moment with the little one. What time

is it? We should write it down for the birth certificate.”

“It’s 10:15pm, Dec 24th.”

“A Christmas Eve we’ll always remember, right?”

“Definitely. Where were you and the kiddo headed too?”

“We were headed to my mom’s. Can’t afford it on our own anymore since I lost my job. I’d do anything for Liza. I want her to have a better life.”

“That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?”

“You got any kids, Margaret?”

“No, I lost my baby in the second trimester. She would’ve been 18

years old now if she would’ve survived.”

“Oh, Marg, I’m so sorry.”

“I’ll see her again one day. And, I think of her every Christmas… her due date was on Christmas Day.”

“I don’t know what to say, except that you would’ve made an amazing mom.”

“Thanks. I’ve got my Rusty. He’s such a wonderful dog. And I’ve got Craisin, sort of.”

“Look, I’d like to come back and see you again, if you’re okay with

that. Maybe Liza and I could come during spring break.”

“I’d like that. I’ve got an extra room you both could stay in.”

“We’d love that. I’m really glad I met you today, despite the crazy circumstances.”

“Mom and Margaret? Joe and Angela want to talk to you both. And I think the paramedics are here.”

“Yes, Joe and Angela, we’re here. What can we do?”

“We just want to say thank you for everything. Without you all… Well, I don’t know what would’ve happened. It looks like the Paramedics are on their way in. We want to name the baby after you. With your blessing, of course? We’d like to call her Margaret Stephanie. If that’s okay?”

“Okay? I’m honored, thank you!”

“Me, too!”

“Mom, look, I found Craisin! He’s letting me hold him and he’s purring.”

“Ah, well, if he starts to squirm, put him down right away.”

“Isn’t that something? That cat barely lets me pet him, let alone pick him up. He must really like you, kiddo.”

“I guess there’s new life all around us tonight. My heart is overflowing. I’ve never had a happier Christmas gift than the one tonight.”

“I have an idea! I’d like to give you a gift, kiddo. Why don’t you take Craisin with you to your new home? If it’s alright with your mom and your grandma?”

“Mom, could we? Can I call Grandma and ask her?”

“Sure, Liza. I can see how much Craisin likes you.”

“And, Steph—I’d be happy to help pay for his food and vet care.”

“I appreciate that. Thank you.”

“Well, it looks like the storm is letting up. But you’re probably in no condition to drive, are you? Why don’t you both come over to my place and get some rest before heading out again?”

“I think that’s the best idea I’ve heard all night!”