This Day in History

This day in 1981 began with me going into labor with my first child. I suspect, as with any expectant mom, it's hard to recall anything else that may have occurred during the time of pregnancy. It's possibly the most self absorbed period of time of any mother's life. When pressed though, I can recall a few things of import from the year of her birth.

J.R.R. Tolkien

I had a big fat tomcat named Tom Bombadil. Years before my daughter was born, I'd fallen hard for the written words of J.R.R. Tolkien. So hard, I named my cat for one of my favorite characters. Bombadil, with a name like that, was a cool cat. To this day, I will read and reread any Tolkien book.


I was reading the bestseller, The Bourne Identity, that had just been released. Hard cover books were very dear in price but somehow, I managed to buy this one. I was about half way through this very wordy book when I went into labor. It was another year before I finished it; someone else kept me occupied and entertained that year.


Prince Charles married Diana Spencer about a month before the birth of my very own princess. It was very romantic. I remember being glued to the television to watch it happening live. The only other wedding that year that could compare, was Luke and Laura's wedding on General Hospital. Laura looked like a princess too. I know deep in my heart, I loved Luke as much as Laura did.


I had a few nighttime shows I liked to watch. I was enthralled with the characters on Dynasty. I thought Krystle was a little too whiny and much preferred the dastardly deeds of Alexis. Alexis also had the best clothes. All of them had big shoulder pads and bigger hair. Dallas was a close second for my favorite TV shows that year and I never missed an episode of MASH. I think I still love Hawkeye Pierce but I didn't care too much for Blake.


I was not so secretly in love with Harrison Ford. After the release of Raiders of the Lost Ark in June of 1981, the deal was sealed. I continue a seemingly life long infatuation where this man is concerned. I know for a fact, a lot of women felt the same way about this man as I do did. And, I'm not so sure that Callista what's her name deserves this man.

I also loved this song:



So much so, I used that name when choosing what best fit the beauty lying in my arms.

Even though the labor pains are a very foggy memory, I should give myself a bit more credit for what I really recall from 27 years ago. What I remember most is the stupendous joy and my first real experience of unconditional love. I was astonished by the way she made me feel. Thank you for being the best daughter a mom could ask for Sebba. Happy birthday.