My Mom continues to write to her grandson

" Saturday, September 1, 1979

          Your Mama, Aunt Mary Beth, Aunt Anne and I visited you today.   The nurse "sue" told us she gave you a bath today - your very first bath.  When we came home from the hospital we went to five o'clock Mass.  Your Mama asked the congregation to pray for you that you will grow to be a big strong boy. 
          We had the chicken & pork cutlet, eggplant, salad and creamed cauliflower.  We also had the delicious cheese cake that Aunt Mary Beth made for us.  Your Dad came just for a short time after we sat down for dinner and he had dinner, too.  He and your Mom had a fine visit tonight.  They called the hospital to see how you were doing.  They decided to wait till tomorrow before visiting you.  Grandpa, Aunt Anne & I went food shopping tonight."

" Sunday, September 2, 1979

           Grandpa and Aunt Anna went to eleven o'clock Mass.  The rest of us had breakfast.  We went shopping in Macy's, Sears and Korvettes.  I bought a baby book for you for your mother to write in.  I also bought a sleeper for you for when you come home from the hospital and some other clothes for later on.  Among them I got two bathing suits - one says "Lifeguard".  I also bought a shower gift for a little baby who has not been born yet.  The mother, Virginia Pascarelli, was born two days after your mother and they grew up in close association with each other, even calling each other "cousin". Now they seldom see each other. 
            Your Dad & Mother visited you at the hospital.    After dinner tonight we sat out on the back patio.  It was cool and pleasant.  About ten o'clock your Dad & Mom came home after their second visit with you at the hospital.  They were bother quite upset over the actions of the nurse "sue" who cared for you yesterday, too.  Remember - the one who gave you your first bath.  She began by telling your mother she wanted to hide you.  In fact, she said if she knew your Mom was coming she would have put you in a different isolette.  You can imagine how shook up your mother felt.  She's been concerned and frightened because you are so very tiny.  Yet I'm certain she felt you were in safe competent hands.  Now she has her doubts.  Sue also told her she put you in an isolette with a premature girl baby.  She also wanted your mother to give you another bath.  Your mother was extremely distressed and worried.  She loves you so very much and she wants you to be treated gently and with great care.  This nurse said she carried you around in her pocket before they arrived. Your Dad & Mother didn't know whether to take her seriously or not.  At any rate they felt this was unprofessional conduct and they can't help being concerned.  Mom & Aunt Mary Beth called the hospital & spoke to Mary Rodriquez.  She's the nurse who cared for you immediately after you were born.  She also got the breast pump.  She said she'd look in on you and also speak to the Supervisor about Sue's conduct. We all went to bed feeling better.
              It's about midnight and it's raining hard.  I'll write again tomorrow."

My thoughts after reading this letter my mother wrote to Luke in 1979.
 This nurse sounds downright off her rocker!  It's scary to be at the mercy of another human being when this human being is in some sort of manic state, especially when you weigh just over 2 pounds and are as fragile as a leaf!  Reminds me of the two wacko-a-doo nurses in Misery and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.  Luke, you had a lot of people involved, didn't you? As Aunt Helen mentioned in her comment, we were all there for you, praying our hearts out.  Also, we certainly kept ourselves nourished throughout the whole ordeal - cheesecake and all.