Jun. 19 2005

By DEE GOODIN

Timing is everything, and Miss Michelle Andrea Mae Worley, 4 days old, may already have that life lesson down pat as the last part of her journey into this world began approximately 1 1/2 hours after her dad, Army Spec. 4 Sam Worley II, Third Infantry Division, flew in from active duty in Iraq.

After all, she had to be here in time for Father's Day.

According to Michelle's mom, Helen Hill Worley, a 2001 graduate of Happy Valley High School, Michelle was scheduled to appear Monday, courtesy of a Caesarean section to be performed by Dr. Jeff Looney.

However, due to Michelle's premature appearance, Dr. Jill Tally had to substitute. So Michelle made her debut about 10 p.m. on Thursday at Johnson City Specialty Hospital. Her dad, Sam, who graduated from Happy Valley High School in 1998, had arrived back in East Tennessee at 12:30 p.m. that day.

No wilting lily, Michelle weighed in at 6 pounds 2 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. Perhaps the only family member taking this all in stride is Michelle's sister, Maranda Ashlee Nichole Worley, 4. Sam Worley is the son of Kenneth Worley, Erwin, and Phillis Worley, Elizabethton. Helen Hill Worley is the daughter of Rosemary Walker and Phillip R. Hill, both of Elizabethton.

The Army infantryman will only be "home for only 14 or 15 days" before he has to go back to Iraq, according to Helen Worley.

Contacted at his parents' home, Worley was doing his part to eat more than 25 pounds of pork that had been prepared for him, his brothers and their families.

"Yeah, it was pretty nice to have her while I'm home," Worley said about Michelle. "She was supposed to come the day after Father's Day, but I guess she couldn't wait. Now I'm going to be surrounded by girls."

Needless to say, Worley's usual plans of working with his brothers have been put aside. And his usual duties of protecting this country's foreign interests in Iraq will be replaced by changing diapers and, in every other way, being a dad.

Story Copyright to Chattanooga Times Free press