Fifty-four years ago, precisely at 9:15 PM John was born. I suppose at birthday time every year, for the person celebrating, is a memory known only by the mother and father. At least in most cases. As a mother I’m thinking back to the first time I saw you. But today you can only go back to the first memories of your childhood. There is a time-warp which you can never reclaim.

Boys have to suffer through their mother’s recollections of their arrival with knowledge only she can draw to. This is an area that cannot be questioned, corrected or hurried though. No! It may be their birthday but the birthing part goes to Mom. It doesn’t matter if they’ve heard the ordeal until it can be recited. The hesitation, the brief moments of calm while Mom muses over her recollections…….a little sigh and then the story begins again.

Skipping back over the years I am proud of the man you have become. No matter the situation of good times and bad you have made good choices. I imagine you have inspired a lot of people….. for your friendships and family values run deep.

And so, John, thanks for the many happy times we remember and may you continue to prosper in your ambitions and abilities. Happy birthday from your biggest fan.

Essentially Esther