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Mom and Me - Courier Post |
Well over 50 years ago, when such things were relevant, a picture
of my mother and I graced the front page of the local newspaper because I was
the first baby born of that New Year (no need for specifics here). I came into
the world a few minutes after midnight January 1, and apparently that was
newsworthy. Unfortunately, my mother died when I was a very young child and I don't remember talking to her about our much heralded birth announcement. A picture and a tattered newspaper clipping are all that is left. But I am convinced that thirty years later, there was an angelic intervention when my son, Trevor and I graced the front page of
the local newspaper because he was the first baby born in Burlington County on
February 29th, 1984. That the two of us came into the world thirty
years apart and made a mark on our very first day, still amazes me. Especially
since the journey was anything but easy.
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Trevor, Me (and Dad) Burlington County Times |
I married at 19 and gave birth to our first child at age 30. The
11 years in between were often filled with heartache, stress, anxiety and
tests…lots and lots of tests. But, thanks to answered prayers and good doctors,
we were finally where we wanted to be…..and then the little one decided to come
early.
My husband had just left for work, when it became instantly
apparent that I was in the start of labor. No cell phones those days so I
called my sister, who lived right around the corner. She was in the middle of
preparing for my baby shower which was to be held about 8 hours later. It was
going to be a big shower, loads of food, family and friends. She and my
sister-in-law had invited all of the people whose baby showers I reluctantly
went to over the last 11 years, bearing gifts and forced smiles…. all of the
people who were truly celebrating, this long-sought event, with me and for me.
She was decorating when I called to tell her that I needed a ride.
In seconds, she was coming through the front door. “What do you mean
you’re in labor?” she questioned with the anxiousness that only a woman who had
12lbs of meatballs and sauce simmering in crock pots would ask. “My water broke
and the doctor told me to go right over to the hospital”, I answered knowing
full well that it was five weeks too early.
We quickly got in the car and were on our way, when she turned to
me and said “You can’t have this baby today. He’ll only have a birthday every
four years”! “What the hell was she talking about”, I thought to myself. I had
no idea what the date was. I only knew that it wasn’t April 4th, the
date I needed it to be.
Throughout that long, long day, the subject of this “date” kept
coming up among nurses, my husband and my sister. Going in and out of
awareness, I was picking up that the room was divided on whether having the
birthday of February 29th was “unique” or a “hassle” being that the
date is on the calendar only once every four years. At that time, I really didn't care. This kid was going to be born this day, even if I had to go in and
get him! And he was, and all was good! Even being premature, he was almost
seven pounds and deemed fit and ready to face the world.
But it wasn't really until the next morning that the significance of his birth date was brought to my attention again when a photographer from the local newspaper came in and asked if he could take a picture of the two of us. I instantly saw my mother, with me propped in her arms, on the front page of the Courier Post 30 years earlier. I felt my first connection to her in years. "Thanks Mom", I whispered as I wiped away tears. "It's just a local paper", the somewhat embarrassed, photographer explained. "Well, it means the world to me", I answered as I propped my son in my arms.
But it wasn't really until the next morning that the significance of his birth date was brought to my attention again when a photographer from the local newspaper came in and asked if he could take a picture of the two of us. I instantly saw my mother, with me propped in her arms, on the front page of the Courier Post 30 years earlier. I felt my first connection to her in years. "Thanks Mom", I whispered as I wiped away tears. "It's just a local paper", the somewhat embarrassed, photographer explained. "Well, it means the world to me", I answered as I propped my son in my arms.
Kyle |
Are you kidding me? He loves it! LOL! He thinks it is really "cool" he told me this morning. Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteAunt JoJo I am very proud of the article that you wrote. I always refer to Trevor as "the first baby that I ever held". In my mind he is still 3 hours old becuase I am not old enough to be his "big" cousin. I love you all!
ReplyDeleteAimee, it is so nice to hear from you. You have been in my thoughts! Love to you and your beautiful family! And thanks for reading!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and you will always be the big cousin!!
What a wonderful story! I always wondered what day would be right to celebrate, but you are right every day is a celebration. Happy Birthday Trevor!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for reading! Everyday is a celebration. We need more people like us to live life that way!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story. I love the connection between you and your mom. Life is funny sometimes.....:)
ReplyDeleteLife can be strange at times that is for sure. Thanks so much for reading! BTW, what is your name? I don't want to call you "uncool" because I am sure that you are not! LOL
ReplyDeleteMy name is Stephanie. Guess I better figure out how to post my pic too. I am a bit more fluent with facebook. Don't 'tweet' too much.
ReplyDelete