h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My sister is in the hospital in labor at the moment. Well, she's been there since yesterday, and they were suposed to be inducing labor today. I stopped by after work (I work midnight to noon) for a while, but had to go home to sleep.

I am really conflicted about the whole deal. My family is nominally religous, and my sister is unwed. That is the first problem. Secondly, the guy my sister is having this kid with is a lying braggart who has a room temperature IQ, who also can't keep a real job for more than a couple of weeks. Thirdly, my sister is a waitress and can barely pay for her rent etc (see above statement about idiot boyfriend).

I thikn that she is a fool for bringing a child in to the world under the conditions present. I know that she will strive to be a good mother, but I just can't see a happy 18 years ahead. She is a bit old for a first time mother (32) and I know that she will have some real challanges ahead.

I will help her in any way I can of course, but I am not thrilled that she is even in this position today. Hopefully I will get a call soon saying that the birth has gone off without a hitch.

It was her choice, Marv, she will make things work out and I'm sure the kid will be well taken care of. When you see her, tell her congrats for me.

Marv, I understand your frustration with your sister and the 'father'. But the bottom line is that this child is going to need you. (boy? girl?)

I was fortunate to be raised by two parents in a loving, stable home. Even so, I had an uncle who was an important part of my life. I adored him. You have an opportunity here to really make a difference - to serve an an anchor.

Hypatia

Come on, Marv. My daughter was an unwed mother at 18. She's now married, both of them are in full-time work, and she's studying to become a Councellor at night school.
I'm an unmarried mother myself.

This child could be a future President of the USA. Or better, a decent, happy human being.

Every child is an opportunity, a link to the future.

I wish her all the in the world, and you too. Bite your lip, shake the new daddy's hand, and offer to babysit at the earliest opportunity. And coo & gurgle at your new flesh & blood little bundle of joy

*Tries to imagine Marv Cooing and Gurgling*

He's got the gurgling down, anyway.

Marv, be the best uncle you can be. You can't help the choices that your family members make. *Supposes sea will stop by with a healthy dose of commiseration.*

And, 32 is ~not~ old to be a first time mother. Certainly not in my neck of the woods.

Nor here, either Witty.

Yes, she may have grabbed at what she thought was the last chance of motherhood, but it was her choice as was the father.

I remember Zomnker's concerns and it was the making of his sister.

I am sure you will be a doting uncle and supportive brother come what may.

You can support your sister without condoning their relationship.
But you would be amazed at the bonds a new baby forges, the new father might even clean up his act.

Whatever happens, stand by your sister (she is gonna need you) while she goes through the turmoil of being at the mercy of her hormones, and give, give, give, until it hurts. Then give some more.

You'll be astonished what it will do for you as a person, and your sister will never forget (and she'll do the same for you should you ever need her)

I'm really I wish I knew someone close who was having a baby. They'd have to bolt the doors

You know me. My wife is only 9.5 weeks away.

And yes, the door is bolted.

Well, we had a bit of a scare for my sister today.

Nothing bad health wise for her or for her unfortunatly named offspring. The father was missing all day today. He just dissapeared. My folks went to their apartment and he was not there, they tried calling but no answer. My sister was a wreck.

He eventually turned up with a lame excuse, but I really would not doubt it one bit if he goes walkies again soon. I almost hope for it. S is far better off without him in her life.

How's it going now?

I've managed to bring up four children alone, so it's not undoable.

BtM, a good job you're on a different continent

She gave the jerk an ultimatium, get a job, get moved out of the worst city in SL valley, get back on the medication that he needs to function as an adult... We will see what he does. She is moving in with my parents for now to get the kid away from teh influence of her BF.

Galaxy Babe, there is no safety net over here for a single mother waitress with an absent father who evidently doesn't have the skills for a decent wage. Without family, she could expect to be homeless.

In that case it's a good job she's got her parents

How's she doing now,

She's working three nights a week at the restaurant that she has been at for the last few years. My parents help her by watching her kid so she can work. Not much has changed.

Hello, everyone ! I hope your sister's situation works out, Marv. By the way, I became an uncle myself about a month ago.

Congrats Bryce. Good to see you online. Dunno if Mikey told you, but I am goign to be in town this weekend. I will call you tomorrow.