Tomorrow I turn 53. My mom liked to tell me she was watching JFK's inauguration on the black and white TV in the basement when she went into labor. Dad liked to tell me there was a huge snowstorm and he kept going out to shovel the driveway so he'd be ready to drive to Pascack Valley Hospital when the time came.
It wasn't until recently that I wondered who watched my older siblings, who were little kids themselves. John was 8 1/2, Sis was almost 7 [Punch's age] and Will had just turned 3.
That's the perspective of the baby of the family. Not thinking about those other babies living at 187 Bedford Road and just imagining my parents waiting for me. As if I flowered alone in the garden. But now that I'm a mother, I realize there must have been a lot to do, between dinner, bedtime, dishes and keeping little kids away from dangerous things, like outlets and slippery wood stairs and railroad tracks behind our house.
My mother was 36. Which means she was 43 when I was 7. I'm 10 years older --53--and Punch will be 7 in March.
My mother died young from cancer, at age 56. I have many things I'd like to ask her. For starters, who watched the kids? Sis might know. Good night.
TCOY
1. Boot camp in park
2. Short walk with Sug.
3. Short nap.
4. Bubble bath.
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I wonder if our grandmother stayed with your family around the time of your birth... so that she could be there for the others when your parents left for the hospital. All our parents were planners and Rosie was always available to babysit for any of us, I remember. I wonder if Sis can recall. Happy birthday!!!!! Love, Linda
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Alice,hope this is a wonderful year for you filled with joy and happiness.
ReplyDeletelove the sj.aunt
Hi Lin......Sis said maybe the girls across the street or else Jim Mahon, my Irish grandpa.....? Lin and Aunt Ann, it was nice to hear from you. hope you're well. best regards and love, alice
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