It makes sense that I would be awake at 2:30 a.m. this morning.  Unlike other mornings, when insomnia keeps my mind turning, this day brings memories of my fourth birthing day.  The first contraction was about this time and with it came the rush to get from Clermont to Dunwoody Medical Center.  Bill was flying down the highway and for once, I didn’t complain about his speed.  I knew from my previous experience I was having back labor, meaning the baby was coming sunny side up and would have to be turned before birth.  By the time we got to the hospital I was having piggy back contractions, where one came before the previous one was finished.  I asked for medicine and they told me the doctor was on his way to check me to see how I was progressing, and then he would give it to me.  When he arrived and checked, he said it was too late for meds I was 10 cm already.  He broke my water, turned the baby and ordered me to start pushing.  In 30 minutes, he was holding my baby and taking his guess as to the weight.  (My doctor was known for his accurate predictions. With each baby he delivers he guesses before they weigh the baby and is usually right within 2 or 3 ounces. He guessed all four of mine correctly…to the ounce.)  He asked me what my biggest baby had been to that point.  I told him 10 lb. 5 oz. which I thought was pretty huge. He said, “Not anymore, this one is over that by 11 oz. or so.”  He was correct.  I had an 11lb. baby, 22 years ago today. He came home in three-month clothes.  He was a chunk, now he’s a hunk.  Those dimples, right?

Peter Josiah Gunnin.

This year I celebrate not only his birth, but also his graduation from Berry last week. (Official ceremony will be in May with photos following.  J ) I cannot say how proud I am of him.  The last several years our family has gone through some rough times. He has taken it all in stride, stepped up to the plate, and taken on responsibility of financing his own schooling and completing his degree in Marketing a semester early.  This, his last semester, has been his most challenging yet with even more life trials and a significant loss which turned his world upside down.  Yet, he has finished with flying colors.  He worked hard taking on three jobs and continued studying all while processing deep heart issues. I am amazed at his work ethic and his determination.  He is moving on to the next phase of his life, and has a job doing what he loves.  He is remarkable.

To say I am a proud mom is an understatement, and to top it all off he is the last of the four to graduate…which means we are officially done with college!!  At least, with first degrees anyway.  All of my kids made it to adulthood, and for that I am ever grateful and so very proud.  Being a parent is my primary life’s work.  Seeing them all find their path may take some time yet, but they are well on their way to becoming who they were designed to be. It has taken much prayer through laughter and sometimes tears, but today is a day for celebration of an accomplishment!

Happy Birthday and Graduation, Peter!