Dear Andy:
It was a day much like today: sunny with a nip in the air. The week before had brought a winter storm warning, but for the life of me, I can't remember if the winter storm actually appeared. I do remember that we spent the night at the home of your dad's cousin Dean A., which was much nearer the hospital, just in case you decided to enter the world when the roads were icy.
But you didn't appear for another week. Around midmorning of that day, my water broke. Your dad was at work in another town, so I called Grandma and Grandpa Ramey, who came and took me to the hospital. For some reason, we stopped by the doctor's office first, where I dribbled amniotic fluid all about before the doctor shooed me off to the maternity ward.
Early that night, you were born.
Your dad showed up after I had been taken to the delivery room. In those days, daddies weren't allowed in delivery rooms. When the doctor came out after your delivery, he looked at your dad and said, "I'm not going to tell you what you've got. You should have been here." Dad had gone by home to shower before coming to the hospital, and the doctor thought that was not good form, I suppose. Dad actually had to wait and found out the same time I did that you were a girl. (In those days, we also had to wait until birth to find out the sex of the baby.)
Happy birthday, A. You've been a great joy in my life all these years. Even during the times when I wanted to pull my hair out and crawl in a hole, I've loved you so much it hurts. You and Cait are the best things I ever did.
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On 02/21/2013, Helen in Switzerland said ...
Oh what a lovely post Susan - I bet you made Andy cry!
On 02/21/2013, Barbara Anne said ...
Awwwww! How sweet this post is but not quite as sweet as Andy herself is!!
Happy Birthday, Andy!!!
Hugs for Mommy on this memorable date!
On 02/21/2013, Sharon Penney-Morrison said ...
Good job Mom. Daughters are wonderful. Happy BD Andy.
On 02/21/2013, Andy said ...
Oh, Mama, how beautiful. Thank you for this gift. I would like to cry. I would be crying right now, but the hysterectomy has put an end to my crying jags. I thought you were going to say that Dad got drunk and missed the whole thing! You are the best Mama ever. Sorry for all the times I made you want to pull your hair out and crawl in a hole. I was a handful at times. But, we both made it through, and I love you very much. This has been a great birthday. Thank you.
On 02/21/2013, Pesky Patti said ...
Susan...How lucky that your circle of love came all the way around. I, too, have found the most wonderful friendship with my mother...even though we had some huge bumps in the road along the way. Happy Birthday to both of you
On 02/22/2013, Kim said ...
What a sweet post. How lucky your kids must be to be able to call you mom. I have two teenage sons, one of which I worry incessantly what the future will hold for him. Highly gifted, very learning disabled, and quite a puzzle. And yet, even though at times it's more work than I ever bargained for, they, too, are the best thing I ever made.
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