to Davyn at 7

Birthdays are a bond between mother & child.  A few years ago, my mom was the first to call and wish me well as I turned thirty-something.  After the expected “happy birthday”, with hardly a pause in between, she started in on the equally expected “you were supposed to be born on the 30^th, but Dad had a meeting”.  She has always told me a snippet of my birth story on its anniversary. 

And maybe that’s why I have felt compelled to do the same.  And why I relish the connection of these birthday letters.  It’s our connection.  Our story.

The part I told you this year included our supporting cast in the form of Dad.  No business meeting, but he did wander off for some breakfast after the doctor broke my water.  But that part is really subsidiary, so we’ll forgive.  We were the stars, you see.  And it was suddenly time for us to Shine.  You, much more confident in the star role than I, decided it was time to make your entrance before I was ready.  So I was unexpectedly bearing down, unprepared for the pain as your head began to crown.  I fought the timing in this unforeseen script, but eventually gave in to the inevitable.  And you came. 

And lit up our lives.  And that's exactly what you continue to do.  Your countenance literally lights up our home and lives.  And that circle of light has expanded exponentially as you are making your way out into the world of school and Primary.  The light follows.

Call me a sap, but yesterday I told Aidan he was my 2^nd true love.  He smiled hugely and correctly guessed that Dad was my first.  And you, without a doubt, are my 3^rd true love. 

In 30 years, when you're 37 and I'm 67...your phone will ring at 6 a.m.  I won't be able to sleep past 5 by that time, I'm sure.  I'll say "happy birthday", then barely pause before "you were supposed to wait for Dad to come back from eating breakfast, but you pushed your way out into this world without my help."  Hopefully you'll know that you're still the 3rd love of my life.  And that you've added endless sparkle to my world.  It's the story we'll always share, after all.  Our story.