Boobala makes her grand appearance

It was on a super hot and humid day in July that Mildred Finkenberg, after 4 1/2 hours of intense labor, her body drenched in sweat, gave that long-awaited final push, bringing her son into the world. Boobala Sarah Finkenberg miraculously weighed in at a whopping 9lbs 8oz with bushy brown hair. Mildred screamed in excruciating pain as she felt her body being torn apart. It had been a difficult pregnancy and delivery as well. After several miscarriages, her doctor strongly advised against another pregnancy, as a woman’s chance of miscarriage increases with age. Mildred refused to give up.

Both she and her husband tried for several years to carry her pregnancy to term, taking all the necessary precautions, but they were unsuccessful. Instead of having a 20-year-old son, they were now in their 30s, still waiting to hear the wonderful news that all was well. Mildred insisted on natural childbirth, despite the high risk involved. Dr. Rosenthal was genuinely concerned about her health. “Dr. Rosenthal,” Mildred replied, “I want to be in control of my body and to know what the birth experience is like, despite the pain. If it becomes life-threatening for me or my child, then will know what to do.”

When Harvey entered the room, he expected to find Mildred fast asleep after the difficult delivery. He was very surprised to see her wife of 37 years sitting up in bed, chatting and laughing, her face beaming with pride as she showed off her beautiful daughter to everyone.

Mr. Finkenberg couldn’t believe his eyes when he reached for his little daughter. He was really excited as he held his newborn child in his arms. He began stroking her silky smooth skin and touching her perfect little fingers and toes. His eyes filled with tears as he leaned down and he kissed his wife, thankful to God for this precious gift.

No.: 1 (05-15-2011)

Mildred’s Maternal Lament

Harvey Finkenberg, Boobala’s father, was a man of honorable character in all respects. He was a quiet man who did not like confrontations. He was faithful to his religious beliefs and raised his family with all moral restraint. In fact, he was an extremely busy man. His clothing store on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn, New York had brought him a position of wealth. The only change from the monotony of his life after a tiring day’s work was an occasional doorstep conversation with Seymour Sterling, a neighboring merchant, and time with Boobala.

Boobala was turning into quite a handful. She was now a little girl who ran as fast as her little legs would carry her. Mildred didn’t realize how difficult it was to be a mother at her age, especially now that Boobala was teething. She wanted to scream and run away. Her exhaustion and the shades of clothes she had to wash were endless. Living on the top floor of a six-story apartment building didn’t help much. Not being able to go out often, she was starting to feel claustrophobic, like she was confined to an inner life. She couldn’t wait for Harvey to get home so he could take care of her and she could rest undisturbed. She infuriated her so much that he would waste his time talking to Seymour instead of going straight home.

A wave of relief washed over her every time she saw him walk through the door. Happy to see her Tata, Boobala squealed with joy, clapping her little hands. Mildred’s fierce personality seemed to overshadow Harvey’s, as she shouted her disgust at the day’s events. Accustomed to her frequent outbursts, he looked at her blankly, said nothing about her, shrugged and left her room. This infuriated her even more.

Although they were so different, Harvey loved his wife because she had such a positive impact on his life. It was Mildred who helped him make the clothing store a success before his pregnancy. She was natural with customers. The Finkenbergs were not only highly respected throughout the neighborhood for their honest business dealings with the public; They were also developing an excellent reputation for quality service and customer satisfaction, which helped grow their business.

No.: 2 (27-5-2011)

To Be Continued: Part 2 of 9 Boobala Darling Wins a Cruise