Happy Days

I was standing in line at the post office about 10 days ago as I often am - I have to deposit postage checks for my customers and so must wait my turn. It was one of those glorious early fall days when you feel the chill but are happy because it is crisp and clear and the day is what they call '100%' sunshine with an almost unbearable blue sky and not a cloud in sight.

A pleasant-looking gentleman was standing in front of me and I can describe him only as 'tweedy.' He looked the type to be wearing a well-loved wool tweed jacket with patches on the sleeves, though I could not attest as to what he was wearing that day. He kind of smiled and looked at me.

"It's a very very nice day," he said.

I agreed, and went on to say that I am happy to feel the chill in the air, that I like cold weather.

"Ah, you must have cold weather genes," he said. I said in fact I was born and raised here and my folks were from Sheboygan, Wisconsin so my genes may in fact have something to do with my weather preference. I asked where he was from, as I detected a slight accent.

"Canada, but from the western side where we do not have extremes in weather - not like here where you fear for your life sometimes..but I suppose if you are dressed for it, it is okay."

We were now nearing the counter, and at his turn, he mailed a package. I couldn't wait to get up to my post office buddies and tell them my news:  that my baby granddaughter had been born two days earlier. I was practically brimming over with the news, that is probably why my tweedy friend began to speak to me.

I walked quickly to the counter, before my new friend had left. I burst out, "She arrived!  Charlotte Mae weighing 8 lbs 8 oz and beautiful!" as I whipped out my phone to show John and Eddie.

Charlotte Mae Owens one day old

Gran laur with Charlotte

Uncle Sammy with Charlotte Mae - only minutes after birth

Beautiful granddaughter and daughter Lizzie 9-22-2011

My Canadian friend was still there and looking at the photos as well. He then told me that he, too had just become a grandparent, that his daughter had delivered a baby boy just six days before. Like my daughter, his daughter had been at Hinsdale Hospital and he told me of the photographer that came around and took photos of the baby and that they were 'quite nice.'

We walked out together, me practically bouncing with each step, still talking about how excited we all are, how beautiful she is, how happy I am that everyone is healthy and so happy to welcome a new life into our family.

He stood at the top of the steps, and said, "I, too feel lucky."