My wife Colleen and I were expecting our second child Sarah on May 13, 1983.

March 13th, I was away on a Health & Safety course in Brockville Ontario. I receive a call from my sister-in-law Connie at 6;30 am., telling me to get back home because my wife was taken to the Ottawa Civic Hospital. I asked, “What for”? She said “She’s in labour.” “What? She’s not due till May. I’m on my way.”

Arrived back home 8:45. Our son Christopher, now with Connie. I left for Civic Hospital. Sarah was born at 7:20pm that evening. Now, unbeknown to us at that time, there was at the Civic Center a concert being held to raise money for the High Risk Premature Nursery at the Civic Hospital.

History of that evening event: Rich Little, an Ottawa boy, had been ask to help to do a fundraiser for the new wing at the Civic. I was informed later that in the past, Rich Little had worked with Frank Sinatra on many occasions. Frank had told Rich if ever need a favour to call him. Need I say more. It all came to fruition that evening at $300 a plate.

Sarah was the first baby born in the new wing that evening. By the way, Sarah was due May 13th., born Mach 13th., and came home April 13th..1983. She was three months premature, she weighed three and a quarter pounds. What a blessing that was, and the timing for the Ottawa Civic to have that new wing in place for her and — need i say — for all the many that followed.