Due to the fact that my life was not crazy enough, the powers that be, God, Mother Nature, the Universe, et all decided to throw me a whammy.

I am, much to my surprise and at the will of Murphy’s Law, a pregnant person for the third time in my life. This condition is temporary, though it makes crazy people like me even crazier. Hard to imagine, I know. But suddenly there is an individual being housed within my body and my responsibility is to deliver her safely into this world. It is one of those things that makes you realize that you have no real control over things that are meant to be and is truly a blessing. A shocking, terrifying, unexpected blessing that disallows many activities and behaviors and puts one on high alert for anything out of the ordinary.

So as I mentioned, I am currently housing a small human being in my abdomen and I recently found myself in a bit of a medical conundrum. Sometimes you find yourself in scary situations and require assistance from individuals that have talents far exceeding your own. As in most instances this turned into a comedy, though one relatively mild compared to the usual circus that is my life.

I will give you a brief synopsis. Pregnant woman is faint and shaky and is in need of medical assessment. Somehow this turns into a house full of the following: nervous husband, worried children, bonus child, Little League coach, best pal of pregnant woman, friendly police officer, and three of the most delightful paramedics one could hope to meet.

During these alarming times I am not certain why certain things go through your head. While I am being poked, pricked, and questioned I am completely mortified that I have not vacuumed or cleaned the house; I am equally upset that the laundry area is a horrific mess. I am distraught that the prime rib may be ruined and afraid that the children might starve. Good golly, has our friendly police officer friend eaten? Someone give him some dinner. Am I hallucinating or are the dust bunnies multiplying and forming an army as we discuss my medical history?

Remember the, “Who are the People in Your Neighborhood,” segment from the timeless and ever popular show Sesame Street? That sums up my household. In fact, if the beloved Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch were available I am certain they would have been present as well. The amazing thing is that the household keeps rolling along through the crisis. Coach has cut the roast, children have set the table, and best pal is making sure there is a starch and vegetable to go with. Friendly neighborhood police officer is maintaining the peace and providing comic relief. Paramedics are calming crazy pregnant woman, providing comfort and care and reducing stress on nervous husband.

As it turns out, the culprit is sugar highs and lows. Following a call to the obstetrician it is decided that the issue can and should wait until morning. Pregnant woman does not need to take a ride with lights or sirens, bells or whistles. The masses have been fed and the kitchen cleaned. Paramedics, police officer, coach, pal, and bonus child all make their way toward the door and say their goodbyes. Every last one reminding us that they are only moments away should we need them.

Later in the night, feeling less faint and slightly more human, I contemplate the evening.

I am the first to shake my fist and curse the muddy, snowing, raining, from eighty to twenty degrees in a day place we live in.

I will joke and poke fun at this small town in a heartbeat.

The fact is, though, that I am lucky to have the friends and neighbors I do. The Old Forge Fire Department and Ambulance Corp and those in surrounding communities are volunteers. They do not have to roll out of bed, leave their family and friends, put on their boots at 3 a.m. in a blizzard...but they do and they are very good at what they do. They are professional and dedicated, reliable and amazing people. From the bottom of my heart, I thank them...and so should you.