July 10, 1980

On July 9th Mom went into labor, which was good because I had been watching out the window for weeks for our new baby to come. (I was 2 year & 9 months old) Mom called Mary Michael to come pick me up. I hung out with Bobby & Mary, I even went to Mary's parent's house; Mom said I went so I could see their horse. Mom patiently waited for Dad to get off his training shifts to take her to the hospital. After over 24 hours in labor, Beckie was born in the Dale County Hospital in Ozark, Alabama. There was a record breaking heat wave, it was 110 that day & humidity, it was so hot the hospital could only be cooled to 97. (It will be cooler in Scottsdale on her girls birthday weekend!) Mom & Dad named her Rebecca Leigh, they liked the name Rebecca & planned to call her Beckie. Mom picked her middle name because she was born in the south & Mom loved the movie Gone With the Wind (still my favorite!) so Beckie's middle name is for Vivien Leigh, the actress who played Scarlet. Mom only spent one night in the hospital, they would not allow any visitors in the hospital except for Dad. Grandma, Grandpa & Aunt Karen had driven down from Atlanta to see Beckie so they decided to go home. Dad had a check ride the next morning, that he had to fly after being with Mom all night waiting for Beckie! Grandma, Grandpa & Aunt Karen arrived in Ozark. Grandpa held me up to the window outside of the hospital so I could see my little sister in the 110 degree heat!
I was so excited that day to have a little sister & I still feel just as lucky today to have a little sister who is my best friend. I love you B! xo