Tomorrow is my birthday. I am exactly 30 years older than my oldest nephew. I remember the day Sarah called to tell me she was expecting. She said she had a very early birthday present for me. It was a difficult phone call. She and I were not close then. We were geographically distant, emotionally distant. We were living very different lives, and we rarely spoke on the phone. I know now how difficult that call was for her to make. And I know that I didn’t respond well. I’m sure I didn’t congratulate her. Frankly, I was shocked. And I was consumed by my own jealousy.
As soon as I see Jamis on Sunday, for his 7th birthday, he will remind me how old I am. I can hear his voice now. “Hey, Aunt Jennie! I know how old YOU are.” A voice full of elation. Because when you’re a kid a birthday is a grand celebration. A day to anticipate, to savor, to mourn when it’s over.
Jamis. He was the first of now-nine grandchildren. A surprise that started the ball rolling, I guess. Because the next eight sure came quickly. My jealousy is long gone. I have my own family now. And Jamis was the unlikely medicine that started the mending of so many hurts. I am so grateful. That he and his brothers brought me and Sarah back together. That our children are growing up together. That we are all a family. A big, loud, boisterous, messy, happy family with lots of birthdays to gather for.
37 isn’t so bad. And I intend to celebrate. Maybe not with a pinata and water games. But, let’s say, with a night out with my sister. An unprecedented night out. (T-minus six hours and counting).
So, thanks Jamis. For more than you will ever be able to fully understand. And happy birthday to you. I will never forget how old you are.
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So here I am. Surrounded by boys. Too loud. So messy. Constant chatter. In a McDonalds, no less. With construction workers and clerks all around us. But I know you posted. And I can’t wait until I get back to the office and Dan retrieves the hooligans. So I read.
And Now.
Tears are streaming down my face. Streaming. Jamis saved me, didn’t he? He brought me back to my entire family. He was the medicine. He weened me from my independence. He changed my need for family. For love. For giving.
T-4:45 hrs to our sister date. I promise I won’t cry tonite. But I might just give you a hug. So beware!
Twitter: Momalom
You guys are so lucky to have each other. And your kids are super blessed to grow up in a family of love and laughter and forgiveness.
Twitter: badmommymoments
Happy day. Well done, Jamis. :)
Twitter: makingthingsup
Aw….really sweet story.
Yay Jamis! and a very Happy Birthday to Auntie Jennie too!