The Day of My Birth

I always thought this date seemed magical.... 7/21/77. I am 34 today. That is not so young and not so old. I am sure that I was aware when I was a child that I would grow up to be a woman, but it was only just a few years ago that I hated being called "Mam" or "Miss". I was a girl. Or rather just called "Girl" for a long time. Today is forecasted to be hot, in the high 90's with high humidity. It is unpleasant. My mom already called me to go through our ritual. She tells me the story of my birth. It was hot and she was sitting in the kitchen rocking in a rocking chair sweating. My dad was in the garden waiting. It was 100 degrees as they sped to Albany Med in a car with no air conditioning. I was born later that day, at 5:14PM, after a crack of thunder, after going into distress and being taken by C section from my mom who could still feel the knife. And I was perfect. Which usually means scrawny and ugly, but entirely pure in that. And my Great grandma Rosie, who I don't remember said, "Look at her tongue. She's going to be very smart." And my father's father's hands were so big, he could hold my entire body in just one.

I grew up into a special little girl. Aware of injustice. Aware of good and bad, innocence and hypocrisy at a very early age. I did not like other children. I was very shy. I could not ask for things. I hated money. I spent my entire childhood outdoors. I was very athletic. I did very well on my schoolwork, but I did not care to socialize or be a part of the class. I doted on my teacher. I did what they asked, but could not really see other schoolchildren as fun. Looking back, I am sure I had some tough times. One teacher told my parents I would never be normal. I was 7 at the time. But the teacher after that one told me I was just right. How cool is that? I am aware that I am still not normal, but I am quite capable and am really enjoying my unique existence. I am thankful today to be teaching and have the chance to help children feel safe and nurtured. So off I go to school.....

I woke up to Chris gently wishing me a happy birthday with a card, some coffee, a whole bowl of berries plus our first blueberry, and 1,000 worms that have moved into my house to eat our kitchen waste. That is the best morning a girl could ask for. Perhaps a dip in the Victoria Pool and dinner on the town will round out the day. The farm can swelter without me!

Thanks to everyone for thinking of me on this day!