Tuesday, August 08, 2006

30 years ago today...

My son was born. At 8:31 a.m., weighing 8 lbs. 8 oz., 22 inches long. He had red hair and red eyelashes - which caused some raised brown eyebrows of my husband. Later he would meet some red-haired relatives of mine and understand. But my boy looked just like his daddy anyway, so there was never any doubt about his paternity. His hair later turned almost white/blonde. Today he is on a ship on his way to Iraq. I am proud of my son. I just wish I could talk to him to wish him a happy birthday. He was in Korea for his 20th and I didn't get to talk to him on that day either. This year we did celebrate this birthday in July when he was here.

I have got the after-race anti-climatic stuff going on. I guess I will get out for a run this morning. But I feel no great need to. There is no urgency about it. Knowing myself as I do, I am sure I will find a new challenge so that there will be some urgency to work this old body relentlessly.

"Only Step One, where we made the 100 per cent admission that we were powerless over alcohol, can be practiced with absolute perfection. The remaining eleven steps state perfect ideals. They are goals toward which we look, and the measuring sticks by which we estimate our progress." -- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, p. 68

12 comments:

JJ said...

I am proud of your son too.
I see you,
JJ

dAAve said...

He was a big baby! Korea on his 20th; Iraq on his 30th.
With some luck, he'll be with you in the USA on his 40th. Maybe it will be as you're doing your triathlon for the umpteenth year in a row.

Rex said...

Happy Birthday to your son. You are an inspiration. Rexie

Gooey Munster said...

Happy birthday to your son and to you! It is your celebration as well.

I love your energy and where you direct it.

Shannon said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mary Christine's son!!! woohooo 30!

Anonymous said...

((Happy 30th Birthday to your son))
You sure have a great way of sharing how you balance your life with matters of the heart and body.
I admire you ability to look forwards MC.Let us know what you decide to challenge yourself with next...!Thanks for sharing~

Unknown said...

Reid was 8lbs 2oz and 21.5 long. Close!

Happy birthday to your boy.

I get very choked up reading about his service work. To think of my baby being a "man" is scary. I have time and have to try to enjoy what is in front of me.

Hope your day was great ~ eat some cake for me (giggles ;D)

Anonymous said...

Best Bday wishes to your son!

Christie

jake said...

I can't even imagine what you must be going thru emotionally but what I can do is say a prayer for you and your son and wish him a happy birthday!.....hugs....D

lash505 said...

What a great mother you are...

Scott M. Frey said...

Happy Birthday to your son, and thanks again fro his service and sacrifice for our country, it truly means alot to me and millions of others...

I am sorry you have to be apart, I'll be thinking about y'all...

peace be with you all

Mama Dukes said...

Do you know about this?


We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their
families and thank God for them and their sacrifices. At the end of the
day, it's good to be an American.


Red Friday
Just keeping you "in the loop" so you'll know what's going on
in case this takes off.

RED FRIDAYS ----- Very soon, you will see a great many people
wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops
used to be called the "silent majority". We are no longer silent, and are
voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not
organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage
on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want
to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops.


Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops
with dignity and respect starts this Friday -and continues each and every
Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that.. Every
red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar will wear
something red.

By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States
on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the
bleachers.

If every one of us who loves this country will share this
with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family. It will not be long
before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops
know the once "silent" majority is on their side more than ever, certainly
more than the media lets on.

The first thing a soldier says when asked "What can we do to
make things better for you?" is...We need your support and your prayers.

Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by
example; and wear something red every Friday.