Let me set the stage:

1. It was Saturday.
2. I was living in Albany.
3. My brother and his family were living in Niskayuna, approximately one half-hour west.
4. I was the lighting designer and technician for the production of Gemini put on by the SOS Players.
5. It was the last evening performance, so the cast and crew went out to celebrate.

It was Saturday night, . . . no it was early Sunday morning when I stumbled up the stairs and flopped onto the bed. About 2:30am I dropped off to sleep.

Ohhh. The telephone was ringing. I couldn't, just couldn't get up. I knew it was my brother, Michael. He always called early morning on the weekends. I think he thought no one should sleep late. I decided to let the machine get the call.

I was right; it was my brother. The answering machine was downstairs, so I couldn't really hear what he said. I squinted at my clock, 8 o'clock. Why does he call so early?

Wait a minute. . . . I picked up the clock and held it close, so I could see. It was 3 o'clock, not 8. I scurried downstairs to listen to the answering machine.

It was time. The baby was on its way. I threw on some clothes and raced to Niskayuna.

Anne Marie and Michael were at their home. They told me that Charlie was still asleep. They didn't want to wake him. I asked when the doctor was meeting them at the hospital. Anne Marie said they hadn't called yet in case it was a false alarm. I told her he was getting paid to be woken up and to call him.

Finally, they had everything together and were ready to leave. They looked in on Charlie. He was sleeping peacefully. Anne Marie and Michael said I could sleep in their bed. If Charlie woke up he would come to their room.

I heard the door close. I went into their room and laid down. I had just closed my eyes when I felt a presence. I opened my eyes and looked at the foot of the bed.