Today is Sunday, November 23, 2025. But I’m thinking back to this date a few years ago, actually a few decades ago. Sunday November 23, 1980. Grey Cup Day in Canada. But for me it was Labor Day.

That’s right. Forty-five years ago today I spent the day in a labor and delivery room. The hospital where I delivered my first baby had not yet embraced the concept of birthing rooms. I recall a starkly furnished and sterile room with bright lights. The only calming thing about it was that I had an amazing doctor who stayed with me the entire time, encouraging me as the nurses’ shifts constantly changed. My husband was glued to the TV in the lounge watching the football game although periodically he came to check on me. Once the game ended he had more of a presence in the labor and delivery room but in all honesty wasn’t the greatest labor coach. He did much better when my daughter was born.

My son finally decided to enter the world on Monday November 24th. My due date was November 26th and I was grateful that he came early, even if only by two days. If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know how anxious you are to have that baby come out when you’ve gone full term. Kyle was also born on the day of my parents’ wedding anniversary, although my dad had passed away years before. Now we had something new to celebrate on that date.

Hard to believe you’re turning 45 tomorrow. It seems like just yesterday you were born.

Happy Birthday Kyle!