First, Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there!
It seems that Mother's Day is a perfect time for this post! Many of you know the good work the Red Cross does. But I'm here to tell you about something I didn't know they did, but I'm so glad that they do. Many of you know my friend Bill, an Army reservist who was called up to be sent to Iraq. Just a few days after he found out he was going to Iraq, he and Rachel found out they were pregnant with their first baby. Bill would then be in Iraq when Rachel had their son. It was tough enough that Rachel had to spend most of her pregnancy with Bill in Iraq, but it was just so sad to think that Bill wouldn't be here for his son's birth. 
But it turns out that the Red Cross has a program where in an emergency they will bring someone home from Iraq (and I assume elsewhere). And that is exactly what they did! Initially, Rachel would give the Red Cross a call when she went into labor and Bill could be expected home in 2-3 days. It turned out that Rachel had to schedule a c-section, which meant that Bill was actually here for the birth!
Alexander Michael was born on Friday with BOTH his parents there. I can't tell you how excited I was not only to get the call that Alexander was safely in the world, but to hear Bill's voice on the phone. I teared up just hearing him say "Hi Jen, it's Bill." Bill and Rachel are great people and will be great parents. And because of the Red Cross, Bill was able to be here for the birth of his first child. I know that I am the type of person who only thinks to donate to great causes like the Red Cross in times of natural disaster. But I'd just like to say that I'm donating to them now, in thanks for bringing Bill home. Anyone want to join me? From the website, it appears you'll want to donate to the Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services. I'll have to double check with Bill on that, but I'm sure a general donation to the Red Cross would be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations Bill and Rachel! And Rachel, Happy Mother's Day!
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