When I look back on these last 28 years, I'm totally amazed at where and how fast you have progressed to today. I remember leaving MMC sometime after 11PM back then, in some controlled state of euphoria. The night was a typical July night for Maine, warm and muggy. I walked around the Bramhall area and wished I could head to West Street and see my Dad, but he was, believe it or not, off on a Canadian camping trip. After a brief walk to nowhere to work off some adrenaline, I headed back to the parking lot for my car. When I reached it, I do remember searching out lit windows in the large hospital behind me and wondering if that was, indeed, the room that held my new born son. I picked out a window and said that had to be it. I felt the widest grin coming across my face. I do believe it remained there, in some state, the duration of my trip back to Gorham.
It WAS a night that will remain with me forever.
Two songs are etched in my mind about July 9, 1986.
One, that night, was John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy".
It brings me to tears each time I hear it to this day.
And today, the melodic sounds of the Lovin' Spoonful's "You're A Big Boy Now" echo about the room.
... and Justin, you are.
Love always, Dad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brL7h6O7mhw
What do you think?
Happy birthday to J-! He's a wonderful young man who has the innate ability to turn just "hanging around" into a celebratory event, which is great. I hope his birthday is wonderful - the weather has certainly cooperated!! On a different note . . . I can remember heading to the hospital while in labor with my first son. The realization that my life WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME hit me in the head like a ton of bricks - it's a strange, strange feeling . . .
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I remember that night! Best thing that ever happened to me!! Love you forever, J.
ReplyDeleteawww. so darn sweet. happy birthday to your son!
ReplyDeleteHappiness & Love!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your son. Nice portrait.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lot of love.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Justin!!!
ReplyDeleteBirdman - looks like you've raised a good one. :)
What a loving and touching tribute. Much better than a birthday card. Happy Birthday Justin. You are a lucky young man.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Justin! A really great tribute to your son. By the way, my son is slightly elder than yours...
ReplyDeleteAw, that's lovely.
ReplyDeleteWonderful birthday gift to Justin!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Justin!
Happy Birthday to Justin!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Justin! Everyone is being revealed here lately - next will be Elenka?
ReplyDeleteCongrats!
ReplyDeleteGee, that's so sweet. Happy birthday, Justin!
ReplyDeleteJustin, I think that you have unique parents, both of whom love and admire you. Hope your special day was terrific. It started with a wonderful tribute from your dad.
ReplyDeleteBon anniversaire Justin !!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post. Happy Birthday to Justin....and that song "beautiful boy" makes me feel the same way.
ReplyDeleteBit of a softie hey Birdman :) Justin is a handsome young man.. Lovely birthday wishes!
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww. . . .happeee birthday, J!
ReplyDeleteWhen the phamily photo phloodgates open in Birdworld, they PHLY open!
ReplyDeleteJustin is a handsome young man. Must be Elenka's genes.
!! I think you have a lot to be proud of!!
ReplyDeleteI just love your stories. Brings a tear to my eye too.
ReplyDelete