5

Portland V.A. Hospital, Portland Maine
September 27, 1953

"Congratulations Major you're going to a minor," said Dr. Robert Jenkins.

"A what?"

"You're pregnant, with child, you're going to have a baby."

"Oh!"

"Well, Margaret if you don't have any more questions I will see you in a few weeks."

"Thank you, doctor."

With that a stunned Margaret Pierce walked down the corridor of Portland V.A. Hospital to her office. While she was sitting at her desk, Margaret began reflecting what the doctor had just told her and she looked up to see the most handsomest man standing in the doorway holding a dozen red roses.

"Happy anniversary, Margaret!"

"Ben!" she runs to him and hugs her husband.

"Here these are for you."

"Thanks, they're beautiful and they smell so good! Umm... I uh.... think you should sit down I have something to tell you."

"Margaret? Are you all right?"

"Yes and no."

"What do you mean?"

"Well I'm pregnant."

"Margaret, do you have any idea how wonderful that is? Its childbirth mother natures miracle! From this tiny seed grows this tiny individual. This person if you will, enters into the world completely naked, void of any identity, and totally dependent on everyone for everything. Unable to talk, unable to walk, unable to cut up a steak, unable to pour a martini, unable to love, unable to hate, and unable to meet the neighbors for dinner at eight. This life, this small child, this life miracle is entrusted to us so that we may nurture, teach and guide is up to us to make sure that this delicate flower blooms into a responsible, caring, productive member of society."

"Are you mad at me?"

"God no, how could I be mad at you? You did nothing wrong!"

"Well I thought you'd be mad at me because of what happened in Korea."

"Margaret, thats behind me now, Sidney helped me to get over that. Well, what are you going to do are you going to resign your commission?"

"I'm going to have to, not that I haven't been thinking about it."

"You have?"

"Yea, I don't like the idea of having to drive an hour to work everyday, I don't like the long hours, and I just want to work close to home with you, and I'm tired of the army, I don't want to be tied to the army anymore."

"Really? Thats great! I can't wait to work side by side with you again."

"Well soon enough. What do you say we get out of here and get something to eat and go home?"

"Sounds good to me! I can't wait till tell Dad, he'll be ecstatic."