Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, May 11, 1948

                                                            May 11 (Tues.) –

A.M. Drive Mart in to Dr. Potters for a “check-up.” Obviously the Drs. are becoming concerned over the fact that the baby is long over-due. The senior Dr. said he wished his son to see Mart & told us to “drive in the park for an hour” until he (the son) came in. So we drove thru Forest Lawn Cemetery & Delaware Park. – the former a delightful place in spots – many birds (a woodchuck, pheasant flickers & wild ducks) and decorative shrubs & trees in bloom.

Back to Potters – Dr. Melton (Potter) told us that he would have to perform a caesarean, as a toxic condition, very dangerous was being created. Poor M. felt bad as she had heard & read that a woman could have but 2 children by caesarean method. The Dr. assured her that four were easily possible. We had to proceed at once to the hospital (Millard Fillmore) – I called Hank at once, then home and Rev. Neeb. I waited for Hank, then came home, where we had lunch then B & I went at once to the hospital. Rev. Neeb had preceded us and was giving communion to Mart. She was much calmer.

We waited in the lounge, not a long wait actually, but it seemed long to us; then, when it seemed impossible to wait longer, we heard a voice call – “Richter?” – and she came in, holding the newborn baby in her arms, and showed her briefly to us – and said Mart was O.K. – what a blessed feeling of relief!

Informed that no one could see Mart for 8 hours (10:30 or 11:00 P.M.) we all came home.

Car at once to Nenners, as a noise in the rear end, rapidly growing worse, indicated something wrong. It turned out to be the...joint, worn out – N. promised to have it ready by 7:00. He was enthusiastic over M & H’s news, as also was Heinz who was there.

Late P.M. Hank, B & I to hospital. A half hour wait – then we visited with her briefly. She was feeling not too badly.

When we got home I was completely exhausted. (We telephoned to Sally & send a telegram to Cathie – letters to all our folks.

-Charles E. Burchfield, May 11, 1948