Chapter 1: Coming into the World
Song: Celebration - Kool & The Gang
It's June 26, 1980 and in Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California, seventeen-year-old high Victoria Ann Hanratty a junior at Chula Vista High School is about to give birth to her first child. Beside her is her older sister Madeline and her mother Jodie. Tori's father Sean refused to accompany his daughter in the hospital due to his resentment of her becoming pregnant at such a young age. Just as Tori goes into labor, her fiancée, 22-year-old college senior James Richard Eastman arrives at her hospital room.
"Sorry, I'm late." Says Rick handing Tori a stuffed bear for the unborn baby. "Professor Kirkpatrick goes after anyone who even attempts to leave one of his infamous lectures."
"It's okay." Says Tori. "I'm glad you came. The baby will be born any minute."
Two hours later, Tori and Rick's healthy eight pound ten ounce, 22 inch long baby boy is born.
"He's adorable," says proud mom Tori shedding a tear.
"Yes he is. What are you going to naming him?" replies proud dad Rick.
"I was thinking about naming him Howard, after your brother who died in Vietnam."
At that statement Rick is speechless. Then he replies,
"Are you sure? You don't have to do that!"
"No, I do," states Tori. "I want our son to know the heroes who sacrificed their lives for his country."
Moments later, the baby's birth certificate his written. His name is Howard Richard Eastman.
Tori Hanratty, six months pregnant with Howard.
Rick Eastman after finding out his girlfriend was pregnant.
Tori with her sister and friends holding one-day-old Howard.