Happy Birthday, Josh

Sixteen years ago on a cold March afternoon, Josh entered the world. I was eighteen years of age, turning nineteen in July.

Josh was born on a Tuesday. The following weekend was Easter weekend. The day we left the hospital, (which I think was Thursday) Robert came bearing so many gifts that he had to make two trips to get them all. There was a huge Easter basket for me, a bunny, candy and flowers (tulips), and a card that said, "You did good, Mommy." There was a tiny stuffed lamb and a card for Josh. I still have the card in his baby book.

I'll never forget what the card said.

On one side it said, "What a parent says....." and the other side said, "What a parent means."

What a parent says: "Are you going out without a coat?" What a parent means: "If you go out without a coat you might get sick and die and then I'll miss you." What a parent says: "Did you finish your homework?" What a parent means: "If you don't do your homework you might fail school, drop out, end up homeless and get sick and die and I'll miss you." It was a cute card. In the center it says, "What a parent says: I love you. What a parent means: I love you." :) Still makes me smile just thinking about it.

On my way home, it was snowing. There was snow on Easter that year.

Being so young, I was full of energy and pep after Josh was born. I went to pick up a prescription the day I was released from the hospital. I ended up getting fussed at by a lady in line at the pharmacy. I remember her telling me that I should not be out "galavanting about" just "days" after I gave birth. I wondered what the big deal was. I felt great! Those were the days.....
;)

That's my trip down memory lane.

Happy Birthday, son. Here's hoping for better days ahead for us.