HAPPY BIRTHDAY

It was the summer of 1976, hot and humid in the DC metro area.  
My husband and I eagerly awaited the birth of our second child. 

We had some small hopes he might arrive on the 4th of July,

a memorable date that year ~ waving a little flag ~

but he decided otherwise, maybe playing with whatever toys he'd

gathered in there over the months prior. 

Then this day arrived.  August 6.

Now I wonder, does any Mom, yelling, pushing hard,

giving birth to 8 pounds plus 9 ounces of new life give

a single thought to fifty years in the future.

Of course not.

Yet here we are, today.  Those fifty years have arrived.

Memories vivid, others faded with time.

Now I wonder also, does love grow, deepen, expand over the years.

Yes, it does.  That baby, is loved now more than ever.

Happy Birthday, Jon.