19th August

The day started like most Wednesdays. Shower, dress, feed the cat and put on the kettle for a cup of tea.
The day was about to change when my mobile rang just after eight.
It was my son in law. Hi Sanj how are you I said. I waited for just a brief moment before Sanjay spoke. Jo's at the hospital and her waters have broken.
Normally this statement would give rise to excitement and expectation.
But not today Jo was just twenty eight weeks pregnant this was far to early.
Don't worry I managed to tell him. We'll be with you as soon as possible.
Our first grandson Arun had arrived six weeks early. He was now a healthy fourteen month old bundle of fun. Due to his early arrival Jo was being monitored closely at the hospital to prevent a similar early delivery.
I got my thoughts together. Catriona my wife was at Tesco's. Get some change for the car park. Hospitals charge a fortune for parking. Plan a route. Check the car is full of petrol.
Catriona returned with the groceries fifteen minutes later. Quickly love get in the car Jo is in hospital and her baby is coming.
We arrived at the hospital ninety minutes later. Remembering directions to the labour ward we took the lift straight to the third floor. Reception told us she had been transferred to a ward. No the baby hadn't been delivered yet.
We took the lift down a floor and felt just a little more relaxed.
Reception said she was with Sanjay and we could go in and see them for a moment.
We were soon in trouble with a nurse for failing to clean our hands with gel.
Jo was in a small ward at the far end of the corridor.
She was on a drip and was wearing a hospital gown. She looked calm and wasn't in labour.
She explained she had been given steroids and the doctor was hoping to delay her delivery for at least a day.
Jo was hungry. So I was dispatched to the Cafe to buy sandwiches and drinks.
We sat and munched our way through lunch. When a nurse discovered us and said we must leave as visiting was restricted.
Seeing that all was in control we gave them cuddles and words or reassurance before leaving and returning home. Clearly nothing would happen for some time.
We were at home and it was four in the afternoon when Sanjay phoned.
Jo had been delivered of a baby boy a short time before.
The baby was alive and had been rushed to the special baby unit.
Our new grandson was twelve weeks early and weighed under three pounds.