Almost three years ago our first grandchild was born. It was February 2022, and we were still at the peak of the pandemic. Our children were fully aware of this situation and the special protocols that this would require for delivery. Arrangements were made with their doctor and the path was set. When our daughter-in-law went into labor, they grabbed the prepacked bag and jumped into the car. St. Vincent was only a 15-minute drive from their house. When they arrived at the hospital the reception refused to admit them with references to the load and covid admission policies. What a shock for a young couple expecting their first child. The directions given were: “Why don’t you drive to and “try” at this other hospital”. In panic they went back to the car and drove. Along the way they contacted their doctor to make sure she would know where to meet them now. The doctor got really upset – she is an adjunct gynecologist and delivers babies at various hospitals. Apparently, she had either made arrangements or had a set of slots available for her deliveries at St. Vincent. So, she directed them to turn around and go back to where they came from. I forget how long it took for our kids to settle into the delivery room – but the good news was everything only happened afterwards, and a healthy child was born with parents finally ready to relax. Fast forward to January 2025. This time around our daughter and her husband were approaching their delivery date – with a very similar setup – a doctor that is independently operating but working with St. Vincent for the deliveries. Can you imagine how we felt when early January the news came out that nurses, doctors and medical staff were starting to strike for higher wages and changes to the operation at the hospital? We could not believe it. We alerted our daughter, and she checked with her doctor. Given that she was independently operating, she was not part of the work disruption, but the question remained how she would be supported at the hospital by nurses and other team members. It is fair to say that in public statements it was noted that the hospital was not closed, and critical services were being maintained possibly even by support from some of the staff on strike. Well, our daughter was assured that that things would be working out. And they did and our granddaughter arrived healthy and strong. What a relief for them and for us! Our daughter would note that one of the nurses caring for them had been flown in from Houston in Texas for coverage for the nurses that participated in the strike. In her judgement though – during her stay they felt well cared for. The food orders took an hour but perhaps that was not a price too high to pay!