Warm memories from cold snowstorm of 1975

I always call my son, Chad, on his birthday with the same message. His mom, Robin, was at the hospital the night before. I’d been home, awakened that night by a phone call from my mother-in-law. “Steve, have you looked out the window?”

About 14 inches of snow fell, a blizzard. No way I could get anywhere. Businesses and factories were shut down.

I was trying to call a cab or anyone while listening to WMT radio about the storm, and they offered emergency rides by the local police. So I called the station, and minutes later an officer knocked at my door. Off we went, listening to the noise of the chains on his tires. We headed down Center Point Road but had to stop at the Green Gable bar for the officer to check out a silent alarm while I waited in the car. The snow had set off the alarm! Off we were again.

We made it to Mercy Hospital, and I went in to greet my newly born handsome little boy. Robin died of cancer this year, just a few days before her birthday. Over the years I wished I would have remembered the kind officer's name. He was my hero.

Ironically, Robin and I rented a home on 42nd Street NE from Leo McNamara, owner of the Green Gable at the time.

I am getting older. This may be the last time I will be able to make the phone call.

Stephen Klein

Tiffin, formerly of Cedar Rapids