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Grandfather, son and grandson have same birthday
By Hayley Kappes
Correspondent
Published November 4, 2009
DICKINSON — Dr. Anthony Gondesen said he received one of the best birthday presents 35 years ago, when his son, Scott, was born on his birthday, Nov. 4.
Last year, he received a similar present.
Scott’s first son, Max, was born on Nov. 4, 2008. The three generations will celebrate their first birthday together today.
Anthony said he is certain there is a meaning to why the three generations of Gondesens share the same birthday — but has no idea what.
“My question is, What is the probability of this happening?” Anthony said. “It’s got to be pretty astronomical.”
The probability that all three generations were born on Nov. 4 is one out of 48,627,125, according to William Hawkins with the Mathematical Association of America in Washington.
Scott said he calculated the long odds, too — but also said it wasn’t all divine intervention or luck. Modern medicine and a cooperative obstetrician played a role.
Max was expected to arrive Nov. 12, but Scott’s wife, Schelli, began having contractions.
There were complications during her first two pregnancies, and the doctor decided it was best to induce labor ahead of schedule, Scott said.
Schelli worked it out with her doctor so she would go into labor on her husband and father-in-law’s birthday, Scott said.
“I always thought it was cool that my dad and I had the same birthday,” Scott said. “We always celebrated together. My dad is sort of like my best friend, so I hope we pass that on to Max.”
Max is Anthony’s fifth grandchild but first grandson. Anthony said he relished every moment of watching Scott grow up. Now he is looking forward to watching Max grow up.
Family members with shared birthdays are a trend in the Gondesen family. Scott has two cousins who are siblings born on the same day, 10 years apart. Scott’s wife and grandmother also share birthdays.
Still, the birthday bash for the three generations won’t be today. Instead it will be Saturday, and most of the Gondesen family will help celebrate.
One cake with everyone’s name on it will be the main attraction, Anthony said.
“I like to think that everything happens for a reason, and there’s significance to all of us sharing a birthday,” Scott said. “It’s too unlikely for it to just be a fluke.”
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