On the morning of April 19th, 2005 I had only a vague knowledge of the Papal Election that was occurring.

I had an appointment with the OB that day, which held far more interest to me.  At 38 weeks, that due date was fast approaching.

Much to our surprise (and excitement), the OB sent us right to the hospital. Molly hadn’t grown at all in 4 weeks and he was concerned – and I was already in (very early) early labor so we were having an induction.

I got to the hospital, got prepped and hooked up.

Turned on the TV.

And smoke.

All day long, all over the TV was the smoke in Rome and was it white? What was going on? Our Catholic nurse kept popping in to see what was happening.

Once the election was complete and the white smoke blew, that’s all that could be found. News on the new pope and who it was and where he came from and…

It infiltrated every part of the day. Our nurse would camp out in our room to watch the news. She established herself in our room most of the day until her shift ended.

Pope Benedict was a big part of Molly’s birthday, so today’s announcement of his retirement made me nostalgic and sad. While I’m not catholic, Pope Benedict XVI will always hold a special meaning to me.

I wish him peace in his remaining years.