Officer answers call, delivers baby

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — Police officer Timothy Mitchell was on routine patrol Wednesday when a call about a woman on the verge of giving birth came over his squad car radio.

With limited training for such a situation, Mitchell said he really didn't want to be first on the scene. But he was, of course, when he arrived around 8 a.m.

The 31-year-old officer went to the door of Mary Warren's townhouse and banged on it several times before she answered. She was a little nervous, he said, and ready to give birth because her water had just broken.

"When she saw me she was probably expecting somebody else at the door," Mitchell said.

The officer told Warren to lie down in the bedroom, and he started to unpack his OB kit, including blankets, gloves and equipment to clip the umbilical cord. Within two minutes, Warren told him the baby's head was coming out.

Within moments the baby was coming and Warren was "screaming pretty good," he said. When the baby was halfway out, Mitchell took her by the shoulders. With her head clear of the umbilical cord, he guided the baby into his arms. Then he heard the sweet sound of her first cries.

Paramedics arrived, clipped the cord and put a little hat on the baby. Then Warren and the newborn — her seventh child — were taken to a hospital.

Mitchell, an officer for a year here and in Milwaukee for eight years before that, said no amount of training prepares an officer for such moments.

"I usually don't tell my wife about what goes on work, but I did call her about this one," he said. "She told me we won't have to go to the hospital for the next child we have."

My late wife went into labor the morning of October 6, 2002. We knew she was ill but had no idea she was already dying of liver cancer. She had only a few contractions but they were strong. I called our doctor who is also a long time friend. He said, "Let's go to the hospital." Kelly said, "I need to go to the bathroom." I went to wake the other three boys to get ready to go. Kelly yelled..."My water broke." I replied, "It's okay we can still go." She screamed, "No we can't, I've got FEET!"

I carried her to our bed and proceeded to deliver my fourth son, Michael, a double footling breech. Thank GOD, I had been there for three other son's births. I knew pretty much what I could get away with. Dr. Dave arrive shortly after and pronounced him heathy enough not to have to go to the hospital. If we had made it to the hospital, Kelly would almost surely have died in surgery that morning because of bleeding issues associated with her cancer. It was a small miracle that morning, that allowed her to spend six decent months with the sweetest 14 month old boy on the planet. I miss you sweetie. Merry Christmas.

Your first Christmas without your wife --- I am so very very sorry...

Although it is not the same (and I am not trying to say it is), I lost my Mom in March. What has helped me through the past few days, is a poem I first say posted on Free Republic shortly after my Dad died. You may or may not have seen it, so I hope you don't mind me putting it down here for you. I truly hope you find comfort in these words.

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus This Year

I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below,
With tiny lights like Heaven's stars
Reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With Heaven's Choir up here.

I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring,
For it's far beyond description
Just to hear the angels sing!

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart,
But I'm not so very far away;
We're really not apart.

So be happy for me, Dear Ones,
You know I hold you dear
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

I send you each a special gift
From my Heavenly home above.
I send you each a memory
Of my undying love!

After all, Love is The Gift
More precious than pure gold.
It was always most important
In the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
As my Father said to do,
For I can't count the blessings
Or the love He has for you!

So have a Merry Christmas,
And wipe away that tear,
Remember ...
I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year!

~ author unknown ~

May God bless all of you

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