Brothers Campfire 16 Years Ago….Birthday Wishes For My Daughter.

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Hello,

Benjamin from Brother’s Campfire here! 16 years ago, my daughter was born at 1pound 12 ounces.

Several years ago, I was asked thos question on Quora:Dads, being honest, did you find watching your partner give birth wonderful but revolting at the same time?

This is what I had to say about it.

My perspective of watching my wife give birth.
My wife had a stomach ache and tightness in her chest. She felt she should go to the emergency room. Everything was fine and they did a few tests just to make sure.
27 weeks along.

Whattoexpect.com


I had been there all night and was tired. It was about 5 in the morning and she was sleeping. I told her I was going to my dad’s house to eat a bowl of cereal and I would be right back.

She was ok with it and drifted back off to sleep.
I went to dad’s. He is an early riser. We had a bowl of cereal and I pulled out the Sunday comics from the newspaper. I started joking about how women are with their “health problems.”


My cell phone rang. It was my wife.
Benjamin, she said calmly, they say they need to operate on me and it is not a big procedure.
I told her I was on my way and received a second phone call. It was someone from the hospital. “ if you want to say goodbye to your wife you better get here fast.”


I ran every single red light in town that Sunday morning.


She was already on the operating table but not under yet. I was told to say something sweet because she was not going to make it. The baby might, but it was unlikely. I told her I would see her on the other side and kissed her on the forehead.

She clued in, very perceptive and I said, “of the operation.”
She went under and the dread hit me. I needed to be strong and I felt like a failure for leaving for a few minutes for a bowl of cereal.
A cut was made in her belly and I watched. It was surreal. I was sick with fear. A purple form was pulled out. The nurse said, I am sorry.
I felt like I was hit with a sledgehammer as I looked at the lifeless form.
I stated, “Jesus” in a pleading way. An arm lifted and the baby made a very slight noise.
“ get her on the table!” someone yelled. I was torn between the baby and my wife. A medical staff said, “You need to be by your baby, she has hope.”
Realization hit me. I was a father.
My wife made it. Barely.
79 days in the hospital and 10 months of sheer hell caring for my wife and child took a toll but made a man out of the comic reading cereal eating boy I was.
Wonderful, never revolting.

That was my answer then and I am sticking with it. I think I wrote it pretty well if I say so myself!

My Daughter

A notable set of events occured when she was young. It snowed when she was born, it snowed on the trip between hospitals and it snowed when we took her home.

Many times in her early life, we lived in the hospital with limited outside support. The first stay was the longest, the repeats visits, well, repetitive.

I know she will eventually read this so I will not tell all the stories and embarass her. . …I will say my daughter has always been my little ray of sunshine and she is known in many circles for her kindness. She even wrote an encouraging letter to the president a while back because she was concerned.

On her 16th year of life in 2020, the storm is not snow, but Covid. She has written so many encouraging notes to others during this time and I don’t know where she gets the wherewithal to do it. Most 16 year olds seem depressed and struggling with their own problems. I know she is having a hard time, especially with a very small birthday party involving only very close family, but she hardly ever shows it.

She is my beautiful little girl! I would say volumes, but she prefers her privacy. If you find it in your heart, tell her happy birthday, will you?

Author: Benjamin

Benjamin Thiel is a community leader, urban farmer, and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire. He might know a guy...

123 thoughts on “Brothers Campfire 16 Years Ago….Birthday Wishes For My Daughter.”

  1. Lookoom says:

    Children can be so disappointing, pursuing meaningless activities, it’s nice to see a father proud of his daughter, and I’m sure it’s deserved, but what a way to get there! Happy 16th birthday to your daughter!

  2. Cindy Georgakas says:

    Oh what a beautiful story and so heartwarming after such a near life death experience Ben. Happy Birthdaty to your beautiful Sweet 16 daughter!!! Have fun and celebrate this wonderful milestone! ❤️ Cindy

    1. Benjamin says:

      I will pass your Birthday wishes on! Sorry about the late reply!

  4. Offshorewriter says:

    Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter. 💕💕 You should be a proud father of her! 🤝 Sending all love and wishes from Offshore Writings. 🥰

  8. kagould17 says:

    Now that is a great story, for sure. She truly is a miracle and by her actions, she is passing the miracles on. Congrats to your daughter, your wife and to the proud father. I agree with you…watching my children be born was a miracle and they are still a joy, 34 and 31 years later. Happy birthday to your daughter. Allan

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you for stopping by, Allan! I appreciate the kind words. Sounds like you may be a grandfather!

      1. kagould17 says:

        Not yet and not sure being a grandfather will ever be in the cards, but I am OK with that. I know how much parental pressure to propagate irked me at the time and will not pass on that pressure. Enjoy the weekend. Allan

        1. Benjamin says:

          Ahh, This ended up in spam!
          My apologies! Ha ha! No pressure to propagate!

  9. Nourish says:

    Thank you for sharing this. What an emotional roller coaster that was for your family! I’m glad it all worked out in the end. Your daughter sounds amazing. A very happy birthday to her!

    1. Benjamin says:

      It was scary! I will pass on the Birthday wishes! Thank you!🤠🔥

  13. relaxitsallwrite says:

    Oh my gosh, this story made me cry!! Happy Birthday, to your miracle baby and her strong mama

  15. Diana says:

    Benjamin, this was beautiful… I actually could relate because my son was also born in an emergency situation. I am so glad she made it and may God bless her always. You have proven to be an amazing father. Wish her a very Happy Birthday and many many more to come. Stay blessed❤️🤗🙏💐

    1. Benjamin says:

      Hello Diana! I am glad you made it through your emergency situation with your son! We were blessed it went the way it did! Thank you for the kind words of being a good father! I will pass on the Birthday wishes!

  16. achme24gmailcom says:

    She is one of the most beautiful ladies I know. A sweet blessing to all those around her.

  17. herbthiel says:

    I will call her, of course, but for the record, she is an amazing, beautiful miracle and I love her and am proud of her.

  18. moragnoffke says:

    Wow! What a blessing. Congratulations! What a life to celebrate 💐💕💐💖🦋

    1. Benjamin says:

      Yes she is! Thank you! Every day is a celebration with her around!

  19. Petra says:

    Happy birthday to your daughter! That’s a horror story, I’m really glad they both pulled through. Birth is one of the hardest things a woman can go through and it really shouldn’t be taken as lightly and as ‘it’s natural’. It’s natural, but women used to die all the time, so we really should consider it the miracle it is.

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you for the Birthday wishes! I will pass them on!
      It was indeed my Beloved who braved childbirth not once, but twice!

      Mu daughter is a miracle!🤠🔥

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Joy! You are amazing for stopping by and giving your well wishes!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Robyn! I will pass it on!

      By the way, you are an example for the world to see!

  27. Deeksha Pathak says:

    This is the best blog post I read today. Wishing your darling daughter wonderful birthday wishes and lots of blessings.
    Congratulations to parents who made their daughter a wonderful human being!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Deeksha Pathak! I will pass your wonderful words on to her!

  28. WanderingCanadians says:

    Happy Birthday to your daughter. It’s amazing how much you remember from 16 years ago. Goes to show how special this moment was.

    1. Benjamin says:

      It was indeed a special and defining moment! Thanks for stopping by!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Gabrielle! I will pass the Birthday wishes on!🤠🔥

  32. Giusy says:

    maybe a little late, but many good wishes to your daughter! always a lot of strength and vitality! all the best for her. 🙂

    1. Benjamin says:

      Today is the day! I posted a little early! Thank you! I will pass it on!

  33. Beverly says:

    We serve a mighty God…a God who works miracles(mother and daughter) and brings blessings. Happy birthday to a beautiful,16 year-old blessing!

      1. Beverly says:

        You’re welcome and thank you!😎

  34. enogastronomista says:

    Vety beautiful post, very touching words..Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter! Same age as my daughter 18 nov 2004! All the best! 🌷 Xristina

      1. cookingflip says:

        Prayers and best wishes to your lovely, sweet girl. 🍬🍭 Blessings. 🍀

  38. Denise says:

    I can attest to the blessing that girl has been. She’s been a light to so many lives, including my own. She’s a good example of the love God gave His life to give, that we may be saved. I don’t know what I’d do without that girl. Here’s to a happy 16th birthday for a special (not so little) girl! Love and lots of hugs!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Haha! Thank you lil cuz. You are a fine addition to the Campfire!

      1. Denise says:

        Thanks big cuz. I’m finer than frog’s hair and pretty great at addition! Thank you!

    1. Benjamin says:

      Long time no see Kelly K. Green! I am grateful you stopped by to wish my Daughter a Happy Birthday! 🎂

  40. Mariana Gouveia says:

    Feliz aniversário! Que história mais linda e emocionante! Que Deus abençoe sempre sua família!

  41. ellie894 says:

    You must be a very special young lady with a full loving heart and a kind nature. A very very Happy Birthday to You 🦋, and huge Hugs to Mom! 🤗

      1. ellie894 says:

        You’re so welcome! Thank you for sharing their inspiring story.

  43. AlyDee says:

    Wow. That’s an amazing story. Happy Birthday to your daughter.

  45. Fiction Cities says:

    Beautiful and touching story. Thanks for sharing and best wishes to your daughter 😀

  46. Omatra7 says:

    Happy Birthday to your daughter lol 🥳❤️✌️

    What a story that is to tell ❤️ glad it turned out really amazing for you ❤️

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Anna Waldherr! I wish you an amazing Christmas and 2021!

  49. Shooting Nebula says:

    Hi Benjamin, you are such a nice storyteller. It was very touching. And I am very late, but still, a very happy birthday to your angel❤

    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Shootimg Nebula! I appreciate your kind words and I will pass them on. Don’t be a stranger, friend!

  50. frederick anderson says:

    I wish I had a name to wish to, but I guess you don’t need it. Happy Birthday, treasured daughter of the Campfire Man, and look forward to living the glorious life life you deserve.!

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