March 2, 2005
Dearest Joseph,
Happy birthday, Joe. Thirty years ago today you were in my arms a beautiful, fair, skinny, little baby. You were beautiful. You were not as wrinkled as most babies are and even though your legs, arms, hands and fingers were so skinny, you were beautifully proportioned. You weighed 8 lbs. (Did you know I only weighed 5 lbs?!) and you were 23-inches long which is pretty long for a new born and you weighed the most out of our five children.
You were so close to me like a little burr you were. Your last birthday with us had to be in 1993 when you turned 18. That was a long time ago in one way, but not so long in another. Twelve years is not long when you reflect with someone you were with then, but it seems like an eternity when it is a son you haven't seen in 10 years.
Hope you are having a happy birthday today, Joe, with people who love you. God is with you nurturing you with his word, leading you with his love. I hope that being with you again is part of His plan. How I would love to make you mince meat and tatties or schnitzel or anything you like now.
A bit of sad news. Your Uncle Peter, your Daddy's oldest brother, died on Sunday. Luckily we spent Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with him - your Daddy and I did. We prayed with him and talked about many things. He couldn't breathe his lungs were totally gone and he had so many thing wrong with him. We were grateful to have spent that time with him. He is home in heaven in his mother's arms surrounded by those who love him and basking in the light and warmth of our dear Father in Heaven.
I love you Joe. Un abrazo fuerte de tu mama que tanto te quiere.
Love,
Mom
call collect 1-205-553-0778