The Time of Kai, 1:39 am

There are a few words that the first time (and sometimes subsequent times) you hear them spoken, your life changes. "I love you" tops the list and "I don't love you anymore" is also sure to make your day.

I was headed to a student's house when Noriko buzzed my cellphone. The five little words that changed my life were: "I think my water broke." I plotted the quickest route back home (in Japan, u-turns are easier spelled then done) and called my student to cancel class.

I got Noriko loaded up and to the hospital at around 5pm. They ushered us into the delivery room and the waiting game began. Around 8pm with the waiting game still on, one of the nurses announced visiting hours were over.

About midnight, I got the call from the hospital. "Noriko-san's husband? Please come to the hospital. Do you understand? Please come to the hosiptal- to the fourth floor. Please be here in thirty minutes."

I ran the three blocks to our parking space and took off. It was all I could do to remember to stay on the left side of the street. At the hospital, I took the stairs and sprinted up the four flights. I swung open Noriko's door and presented myself ready for action.

I asked Noriko how soon the pushing would start. She nonchalantly looked up from the bed and said it would be "a long time away." Catching my breath, I sat down on the floor.

Fifteen hours later (that's twenty-two total hours for you math nuts), with three nurses and a midwife on the business end and me on the other end, my son entered the world.

"KAI"

"海"

April, 11th, 2007

1:39 pm