Our World Just Got Better - Happy 49th

Christine Elizabeth Watson

October 11, 1975



Christine, you came into our world in the gentlest of ways on the morning of October 11th at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC after a relaxing night for me and an uncomfortable night for Dad.


We had been out shopping at K-Mart on the evening before your birth when lo and behold my water broke!  Clean up on aisle 3!!  We dropped Jason off at Judy Gavin’s house and headed to the hospital.  I had very light contractions through the night so rested well other than the nurses who kept waking me up to see how things were coming along.  Dad was out in the waiting room with a few other dads, each of them hoping the guy on the couch would need to get up so they could lie down for a few minutes.


Contractions continued through the night and early the next morning one of the nurses declared that I was dilated enough to head to the birthing room.  As the nurses prepared I felt a strong urge to push and let them know.  No one turned around to check it out and I once again told them I thought you were on your way, like right NOW!  The doctor never made it and the nurses turned around just in time to catch our bundle of joy.  Not much pain, not much work in the pushing, just a gentle arrival.  


I snuggled you up close for that first wondrous look. I was surprised you were a ‘she’ and even more surprised when I saw your blonde hair and bright blue eyes.  There were lots of questionable looks as you were growing up for you were the exact opposite of your older brother; where you were golden, he was dark and where your blue eyes sparkled his dark brown ones shone.  


I felt amazing after that birth.  I know, I know, I was only 20 but I could have jumped off that birthing table and jogged home with you in my arms.  Unfortunately for all of us, it was Thanksgiving weekend and there would be no doctor in for two more days.  I was antsy to get you home!  Nanny and Papa had come to help out with Jason while Dad came back and forth to the hospital to visit us.  The pink dress you are wearing here was one Dad picked out and brought on his first visit.


I know you have heard this story many times, but time to tell it again.  You were a headstrong and independent being from the moment you entered this world.  I always said you should have arrived with a tattoo saying, “I can do it myself.”  And “Do It Yourself” has remained your motto throughout your life.  Clearly it has served you well although you are also great at leaning on people when you need them.  Over this next year there will be more stories to come for it is the beginning of your 50th trip around the sun.


And this is our birthday gift to you, Christine.  We will include the pictures and stories that will tell bits and pieces of your life and your family, the stories you have been asking us to write down for years.  


Happy 49th Christine.  We couldn’t love you more or be more proud of the woman you have grown into.  While we are your parents, we continue to learn from you and to appreciate all you have to offer the world.  We know you will celebrate in style!  


~Love, Mom and Dad 


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