I chose to talk about my birth. I was born on May 4, 1954 in a place called Ditch Pond Georgia. There were no doctors present, no nurses, not even a hospital. I was born at the end of a dirt road in a little wooden house with no running water or bathrooms. Instead of a doctor I had a mid-wife. My mom was 18 years old and I was her first child. The stories that have been told to me about my birth are somewhat unbelievable.
My mom told me that she was in labor for almost 3 days. There was no pain medecine, so she had to bare every pain. My mom explained to me that after being in labor for so long they finally were able to get my head out but were not able to get my shoulders out. It was at this point that my mom begged God to just take both of our lives and let us die because she was in so much pain. Finally with much struggles they were able to get me out.
There was as much drama immediately following my birth as it was during the time of my birth. The man who was told he was my father was a military man. He married my mom because she was pregnant and men were told that was the right thing to do back in 1954. Although he married my mom he never really accepted me as his own. Following my birth he came to Ditch Pond which was about an hours ride from where he was stationed to confront my mom.
The story that I was told by my mom will live with me for ever. This man who I was told was my dad approached my mom and asked her for the check that the military had sent her for my birth and her being married to him. My mom told him that he could not have the money because she needed it to purchase milk and clothes for me. He became angry and abusive, fighting my mom until she went inside the house and came to give him the money. After getting the money he left my mom and me with no milk or money for clothes.
My mom tried her best to breast feed me but was not able to produce milk. She explained to me how she tore up a sheet to make me diapers and clothing to wrap up in. My mom told me that I began to loose weight and was literally dying. There was a family member who had just had a baby and she allowed me to breast feed from her. That was a blessing. My mom told me the next day that another family member came to Ditch Pond from New York and purchased me a case of Carnation Milk which provided me with milk to survive on.
I've had struggles coming into this world, struggles after I arrived, and will have some type of struggles as long as I am here on this earth. Through it all "It Is Good To Be Here.
Hi Rosemary, What an amazing birth story. Thank you so much for sharing. Your mom sounds like a strong woman. I see where you get your strength. Like you said, we all have struggles and will continue to have them as we progress through life. However, it is great just to have life!
ReplyDeleteThis is an incredible story,Rosemary! Thank you for sharing it. When I share events like this with my students at school, they almost look at me like I am making it up. They cannot fathom a world of no or limited modern conveniences and no technology readily available! In the past I have assigned a research project that involved talking with parents and grandparents about their personal cildhood experiences - I think I should also have them learn about birthing expereiences as far back generationally as they can.
ReplyDeleteWas your mother's delivery complicated because you were overdue or was she a tiny woman? I don't mean to sound naive, but how did they weigh babies then, or did they? I would ask my mother, but she was born in a hospital.
Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThe story of your birth was truly amazing! It sounds like your mother was a very strong women, especially considering the obstacles she had to face at such a young age. I was also born to teenage parents, they were seventeen and eighteen yrs. old when I was born, But they were very fortunate to have the support of both sets of my grandparents, and that wasn't easy considering it was the late 1960's. But even though they had lots of help and support I know it was still very difficult for them being so young, Which I'm sure it was also for your mother. But I'm sure you wouldn't be the person you are today, or have accomplished what you have in life if it wasn't for your mother. Thank-you for sharing your story.
Sylvia
Hi Rosemary, thank you so much for sharing your story! It truly touched my heart. It made me remember that no matter how bad you think things are for you, there is always someone who has had experiences that are just as bad or worse. It also reminded me that children truly are a gift from God, and if it is His plan for you to survive you can overcome the most dire of circumstances. You and your mother are very strong, and I have learned in life that our struggles only serve to make us stronger. You and your mother have learned to fight for survival, and that is a life skill that is well worth learning! It is always a blessing to see God’s hand in our lives sustaining us when only He can! Thanks again for sharing! God bless you! Delores
ReplyDeleteHello Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteYour story reminded me of the stregnth and determination all mothers bring to their babies. My son was born on his due date after just four hours of labor in a hospital so your story about your mother's struggles to give you life are inspirational. Your story also stands as testimony to the miracle of each birth. Our birth influences us but doesn't define who we will be in the future. Glad to have class with you again.
It is wonderful that your mother could share the story of your birth with you. There is so much we can learn from the experiences of those around us.
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