Today is my baby's birthday....

Here she is--my baby. I call her Mame (nicknamed when she was three--for Flaming Mamie) and she was born a little over 40 years ago. I tried and tried to get her born on my birthday but she just wouldn't co-operate. My mom had come down state to where I lived to care for my two boys and I was hoping against hope that I'd have a little girl this time. And I did. It was a natural birth so I'd know everything that went on. My doctor knew how badly I wanted a little girl--when she was born he said, 'It's another boy!" And then '---Just kidding! You've got a little girl!' How absolutely delighted I was. Right then, they wrapped her in a blanket and handed her to me and I held her close. As I held her, she stopped crying and I started crying. My darling daughter...
I've always thought she and I planned to be in this life time together, that we'd worked off our bad karma in other life times and now we can enjoy each other. We've worked and worked on our relationship and I wouldn't take anything for it-- it's really paid off. We just love each other. Happy Birthday, my darling Mame. And have many many many more. I think you're great.
Today I am grateful:

for the birth of my daughter 40 something years ago

that she's one of the most compassionate, intelligent and loving people I've ever known

that we live just a few blocks apart

that we talk to each other at least once a day and always have plenty to say to each other

that she's just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside

that we can speak our truth to each other in a kind and loving way

that when I try to control her, she just laughs

that we respect each other as intelligent and loving adults--what a gift!

that I'm able to share this joy with you