Really??

I looked at my blog accidentally and saw that I had not been on in over a year. Really?!  I can't believe that.  Where did the last year plus go??  Hmm.  Have I really been that busy?  Why yes, yes I have.  I must get a post up this weekend.

D

He made an impression...

In 1985 Tom and I met and purchased a Calligraphy piece from a polite, mild mannered artist by the name of Yip Man Kit at the top of Victoria Peak Mountain in Hong Kong for our then 5 year old son. I recently searched to find him in hopes that I could purchase another piece of art.  To my happy surprise I located him working in Stanley Market in Hong Kong. Yes!  I was able to order another piece from him.  I am so anxious for my newest piece of calligraphy to arrive.  It is not expensive but it is worth a million to me.

I did not know at the time that Master Yip Man Kit was a legend in China.  His life story is truly inspiring and I am honored to have met him.  Born in 1934 in Hong Kong, he moved to Beijing in the '50's in order to study at the  Beijing School of Arts and the Guangzhou School of Music. Unfortunately the Chinese Revolution broke out during that time.  He survived being tortured several times and left for dead.  In 1980, after the end of the Revolution, he was sent back to Hong Kong.  It was at that time, he began studying Calligraphy of the Tang Dynasty.  It was this ancient art that inspired him to design the Rainbow Calligraphy.

He has turned down all offers for interviews by magazines and tv. He has been approached by several publishing companies wanting to publish books to introduce his life and works to the world   All of these he refused in order to live a simple life of anonymity.      

He would never remember me but he has made a lasting impression on this once tourist visiting his simple stall on the top of the mountain overlooking Kowloon Bay.

She made me laugh...In Memory of My Sister

Frankie Lenora Hoogendoorn Morlan

December 21, 1955 - September 20, 2008

She was the middle daughter of three girls.  She was fiesty, funny, beautiful, and regal.  She loved her children, Charlotte and Robert Jr.  She loved her Grandchildren, James, Donovan, Ethan and Eli.  She was a Daddy's girl.   She could be trying at times but how she loved her Mother.  A Mother who  brought her into this world and was there for her until the end.

She left us three years ago today to go to a place where there is no pain.  I know I will see her again but I miss her terribly.  I have lost my Daddy and I too was a Daddy's girl but losing my sister has affected me in a way I never thought.  A day does not go by that I do not say a prayer that she is at peace.

Frankie (named after my Daddy) loved having a good time!  From the time she was a little girl until her last days she loved living life.  She was always up for laughs and pulling a good prank.  As I reflect back on her days I remember us playing in the front yard on Curtis Clark until it got dark and Mother would call us in for dinner.  It seems like just yesterday we were little girls playing with our childhood friends, going fishing with daddy or baking a cake with Mother.

Frankie really loved High School.  She was a fantastic Drum Majorette for Ray High School.  She always carried herself so regally as if she owned the room.  I look back and think what a beautiful person inside and out.  Oh, how I miss her.  There is so much more I could write but they are my memories and maybe one day I will be strong enough to share them with others.

Love and Peace to you my sweet sister.

From Your Big Sister, or as you called me..."Big Momma".  I can hear you laugh every time you referred to me as your "Big Momma".  That's ok with me.  You can call me anything you want the next time I see you.

Love,
Big Momma

KiKi & The Big Guy....

Today is a sad day for us as our sweet little KiKi went to Kitty Heaven last night.  

She was 100% Tom's cat though it was never meant to be that way.  One afternoon, 7 years ago, Dave came home from Colleyville High School and straight into my office.  He took off his backpack, unzipped the side pocket and out popped the cutest little kitten.  Adorable.  However, Houston we have a problem.  Our family has never been a cat family.  The kids grew up with German Shorthair Pointers most of their lifes.  Brandy was our first pet when Tom and I married.  After coming home late one night from a party, Tom bid on a tv auction for the pick of the litter of a National Field Champ German Shorthair Pointer.  This winning bid forced us to buy our first house.  lol.  Brandy was a great dog.  She actually taught Brian to walk.  Brian would pull up on her, hold her tail and Brandy would walk Brian slowly around our house in Atlanta.  Brandy was 12 when she left us.  I swore I would never have another pet as Brandy was like our  child.  She was a real member of our family.  About 4 years later Tom talked me into getting another Shorthair, Miss Ellie.  Ellie was a very loving dog and FULL of energy.  Unfortunately, Tom and I did not take the time needed to train Ellie like we did Brandy.  After several years my good friend and neighbors The Mata's asked if they could have Ellie.  They had property where Ellie could run and they also had an older dog that could use the company.  They were wonderful parents.  Ellie passed earlier this year.    I purchased a baby Pug for Tom thinking she was going to be much smaller and her personality would fit in our now very busy lives.  Gin-Seng was a sweet little dog and the kids loved her but Tom never really got attached to her.  He likes big manly sporting dogs.

The point is that we had always had dogs. Tom didnt care much for cats.  After school one day (Colleyville HS), Dave came into my office with his backpack on.  He unzipped the side zipper and out popped the head of the cutest little grey kitten.  I told Dave that Dad would never agree to keeping this adorable little kitten.  Daves response, "But do we have to tell Dad?".  HAHAHA.   Yes, Dave,  I think Dad would notice a kitten and a litterbox in the house.  So, Dave mustered up his courage and went into Tom's office to show him this wonderful little creature.  First words..."We are NOT keeping that cat.  Take it back now!".  After a few minutes with Tom,  I convinced him to let Dave keep her thru the weekend and he would take her back on Monday.  Dad agrees very reluctantly.  Dave, if the cat takes to Dad then you will be able to keep her.  lol.  If not, the kitten must be returned to your friend.  Twenty Four hours later, Saturday afternoon, Dave and I return home from shopping to find Tom asleep on the sofa with a little tiny kitten snug as bug  asleep on his chest.  The rest is history.  The kitten was Toms from the beginning.  No pet had it better than KiKi.  Such a tiny name for a big man and his cat.  Tom had sleeping stations and perches placed around his office for KiKi.  One was even on his desk.  Huge Monitor, keyboard, phone, files and still room for KiKi to have a pillow on his desk.  The love was mutual between those two.  She never had anything to do with the rest of the family.  lol.  Just the big guy.

Twenty Four hours ago Tom said he felt KiKi wasnt feeling well.  She didnt look any different to me.  She spends her days going from one perch to the other in Toms office.  Not much action really.  However, last night after returning home from a meeting we both noticed she seemed very lethargic.  It was after hours and so our Vet told us to take her to the Emergency Veterinary, which we did.  Two hours later our little KiKi, the kitty in the backpack had gone to Kitty Heaven.  How could this happen.  We were both in shock.  The blood work revealed she had acute renal failure.  Her kidneys had completely shut down.  There was nothing we could do.  Tom held her in his arms as I wept outside the door.

We arrived home around 10pm.  We both sat in shock.  She never appeared sick.  We were speechless, sad, and staring blankly at each other.  KiKi Bird (as my little nephew called her) was a great cat and companion for Tom.   I know it will take awhile to get over but we will always have the stories and laughs about Big Ole Tom and his little KiKi.

As we sat there we could hear the faint sound of a bell getting closer and closer.  Then right up into the lap of Tom leaped "TinkerBell".  (A fiesty little rescue that I brought back from Brians several months ago that I thought would be good company for KiKi.).   Her name was Jackie Chan but Tom changed it to TinkerBell.  lol  Little did we know this little resue named TinkerBell would serve a roll in the healing process for the Big Guy who doesnt like cats.

FATHERS, DADDYS, POPS and PAPAs

For me I have been blessed to have a Father, a Daddy, a Pop and a PaPa.  

Each family puts a different tag on that special person in their lives.   For me personally I have a Heavenly Father.  The one above all others who I give thanks and praise to for all that surrounds me.  I am not speaking of material items but of the love that envelopes me each morning upon rising and every evening when I close my eyes.   I am at a place in my life that I have no fear but only joy in each day.

Yes, I was/am a Daddy’s girl.  The first born of Frank and Ruth.  He joined the Merchant Marines when he was 18 and travelled to Asia.   Several years after his return he met my beautiful mother, married and had three daughters.  Daddy was a fireman for over 20 years.  His frame was strong, his hair was black, and his smile was contagious.  When I speak of my Father, Tom always chimes in to make sure everyone in the room knows Daddy was a Southern Gentleman.   Yes, he was.  

Daddy loved the water.  Besides the fact that I am a pisces, I am sure he was instrumental in nurturing my love of the ocean.  He was an avid fisherman.  All three of his daughters were taught to fish as well as run a trout line at a very early age.  Some of my fondest memories are those of the Friday Night Fish Fry’s.  Family and friends enjoyed fresh fried trout or red fish, fried potatoes, white bread and ketchup.  Afterwards, the adults and children would dance to the tunes of Hank Williams playing in the background.  To this day, I enjoy watching a fishing show on the weekend.  Who does that?? lol. 

He loved his Oso Little League baseball team the “RoadRunners”.   No, there were not any biological sons in our family but that didnt matter.  I would go with him to team practices and games dragging the equipment bag, keeping the record sheets and sitting in the dugout.  Its no wonder I love Sports.

Daddy knew Tom and I were having a boy in September but he just couldnt make it and passed in June 1980.  It saddens me still that he never had an opportunity to play with our sons and they never had the privilege of meeting their GrandDaddy.

Some years after Daddy passed Mother met and married a very handsome and loving man we call PaPa. Of German Descent and originally from Gonzales, PaPa brought two sons to our family.  I still remain the oldest.  lol.  Personally, I don’t like the word “step” and so if anyone asks, we are his daughters, grandchildren, etc.  I have never really asked if he minds but I dont think he does.   

PaPa’s an oilman, golfer, piddler, gotta be movin kind of guy.  He has a great sense of humor and is always open for a good laugh and conversation.  Mother is the original "plant a rock grow a tree" gardener in our family.  However, PaPa now has his own patch of squash and melons and it appears the exceptional gardening skills have worn off on him.  

PaPa has an uncanny knack for time and he is ALWAYS on time.  If he says we are leaving at 638pm you better be ready.  lol.  He is not kidding.  However, he has a soft spot in his heart for his inherited girls because it seems we’ve always gotten anything we have asked of him.  I can’t imagine not having our “PaPa”.   Just dont play Wheel of Fortune with him.  

I want to backup as I also had a Pop.  Tom called him Dad.   Tom’s father was quite a jovial character. A tall robust man with a hearty laugh.  Pop travelled each week but when he was home it felt as if there was a party about to happen.  He loved bowling, bridge and spending time with the family and “Tommy”.  

When Tom was a senior in high school he ran track for King High School in Corpus Christi.  In February, 1970,  I rode with Tom’s Dad to Houston for a track meet at the Astrodome.  I had gone to a lot of Toms meets but nothing like this.  Long story short, Tom ran the 440 yd dash and set an Indoor High School World Record and the announcer and the crowd in the Dome went crazy.  I will never forget how Pop and I jumped and screamed!!! It was hysterical.  Pop grabbed my hand and before I knew it we had somehow made our way down to the field where Tom was surrounded by those wanting to do interviews.  I have never seen Tom’s father more exhuberant than that day.  He was always so very proud of his Tommy but this day was like no other.  

Toms father passed away a few years after we married in 1972.  Tom and I lived across the street from each other and so I knew Mr. Broderick for quite awhile before he became my Pop.  I loved him and I believe he loved me too.  I wish I could thank him for all of his possitive attributes he passed to Tom.   If he could see Tommy today he would think he was standing in front of a mirror.

Of course the Big Daddy in this house is Mr. Tom.. aka Dad, Uncle Tom, Baby Whisperer.   Never has there been a bigger heart, family protector, educator and communicator than Tom.   Full of respect, compassion, laughter and love, Tom has shown our children to be a “Man” means many things.  It fills my heart with joy to see Brian and David have inherited their fathers qualities with a whole lot of their own style and individuality. 

How proud I am....

Birthdays!!

Birthdays, every year we have one.  Some people complain.  The alternative is far better.  lol.

I love birthdays whether it is mine, a family member or friend. My mother has ALWAYS celebrated holidays in a BIG way and Birthdays were no exception.  It makes me think back on a particular birthday party where I wore layered blue chiffon over taffetta.  (I remember all dates by what I wore..lol)  I believe I was 10 that year.  I remember the friends and family who were there to celebrate with me.  I definitely remember the beautiful cake with white marshmallow fluffy frosting (my favorite still).  It also had baby blue flat round candy medallions strategically placed in a single circle around the cake.   Funny though as I don't remember what I received as it is always about the cake and friends that I recall.

We lived at 5026 Curtis Clark in Corpus Christi.  We had a cabinet record/stereo player in the living room which, for the time, was a very nice piece of furniture.   We gathered around, spun the tunes and busted some moves. lol   "We" were the original spinners and led the path for future dj's.   lol

Another very special birthday for me was when we lived in Stone Mountain, Ga (a suburb of Atlanta).  Tom and Brian (5yrs old) took me to a beautiful, small restaurant for dinner.  (Atlanta had many wonderful gourmet restaurants in historic homes.  Hardwood floors, few tables, low lighting, absolutely beautiful and all required several days to get reservations.).  Anyway, the three of us were seated having a private dinner when our little Brian got out of his chair, came over to his Mommy with a small white box and returned to his chair.  Such a southern gentleman.  Then and now.  I opened the small box with great anticipation.  I knew a cherished drawing would not fit in this box, nor a frog or anything else he may have found in the yard.  He looked at me with a huge smile as I began to open the box.  Oh My!!  It's beautiful!!  Hugs and kisses around the table for all.  It was the most beautiful ring I could have imagined.  (I believe Dad had something to do with this as well.  lol)  I had always wanted a birthstone ring but for some reason never found one I really liked.  This was a total surprise.  A beautiful gold setting with a marquise cut blue topaz with layers of small cut diamonds/crystals cascading down each side. This was special for so many reasons.   I don't believe I have ever taken this ring off except to have it cleaned.  This ring is special but not any more special than the round orange stone ring that came out of a machine that Brian also gave me one year.  I have it in my jewelry box and would never think to part with it.  I get happy tears every time I see its tarnished metal and orange plastic stone placed strategically in my jewelry box.  It does not matter how much it costs but truly it is the love behind the thought that makes it so precious.

The thing I notice about my birthday is the significance of the color blue.  My blue layered chiffon dress at my 10th birthday party, blue candy on my cake, blue topaz ring and never being blue about having a birthday.   How could I.  It is another blessed day to be with and hear from family and friends.   Yes, I have another birthday soon. I certainly don't dread it.  Quite the contrary as the weather forecast tomorrow is mid 70's with blue skies.

xoxoxox
D

GIRLFRIENDS.....

Every girl needs at least one.   They hear us, love us, laugh out loud and then cry with us.  They encourage us yet they tell it like it is but they always have our back.  They know all of our flaws and love us still.  I'm not sure guys quite understand it but girls need their GirlFriends.

I can say I have been blessed to have many girls who are friends and then I have my GirlFriends.  My first concept of girl friends came in elementary school (Blanche Moore).   I remember  Louise, Jamie, and Patricia.  Thru the power of Facebook we are friends again.   I am anxiously awaiting our 40th High School Reunion in October to see their smiles and hear of their journeys.

In Jr High School (Sundeen/Cullen) my go to girl was Sue Lindley.  We barely weighed 100 lbs but after school we would workout by jogging to the little store where we would buy a diet coke and a bag of chips which we would consume while talking about this and that.  We would always walk home from the little store because we couldnt eat chips and jog at the same time. lol  Sue and I planned to move into an apt together after High School but I met Tom and she met her love and things changed.

Sharon, Alita and I could write a book on what to do or not do at Richard King High School.  I love them as much today as I did then.  From high school, to weddings and then after a 30 year lapse we found each other on FB.   Last year we had a girls weekend that was non-stop laughing, crying, drinking and eating.  I love them.  I am so happy we are back together.   I know if I ever needed anything they would be near me in a moments notice.  Sharon and Alita are true GirlFriends.

Toms career took us to Atlanta where we were entrenched in our neighborhood with swim team, hoa, and social club for 12 years.   Cedar Park was a large community and it was easy to have girl friends which I thankfully say I had quite a few.   Whenever I think of that time I always think of  Diane.  She is my most creative GirlFriend.  (http://www.dianebuffingtonfineart.com/gallery.html). We share(d) the love of Gourmet Cooking, travel, wine, and the beach.  Diane and I actually were founding members of a very unique travel club called the "SMUTS" (Stone Mountain Universal Travelers). lol   I need to remember to write more about that later in another blog.  Hillarious!

After 12 years in Atlanta we were transferred to Chapel Hill.   Downing Creek was a new development the Bracketts, McCullochs and Brodericks selected to raise their young families.  This is where Judy, Kim and I became BFF's or true GirlFriends.  This almost did not happen though had it not been for the persistence of Judy at the pool one day.  The girl would not leave me alone.  However, I soon loved her as my sister and for that I am so glad she beat me down. lol.    Kim, Judy and I were elected to be the Social Committee by default.  That was something all three of us were good at.  lol.  Or at least after several adult beverages we thought we were really good.  Kim figured out if you feed the policemen when they ask you to turn it down it really helps.  lol  Our families became so close that we vacationed together in Destin for years.  Oh.  I guess we still do.  lol.   We have literally watched our 8 kids grow up.  David was only 2 when we all met and now he is 22.  How time flies.

Chicago is where I met and fell in love with Grace and Gretchen. Such loving, kind  and gentle souls.  We have family, pets and travel memories.  We have shared lots of laughs and a few tears together.    Grace and Gretchen are truly GirlFriends.

When we finally arrived back home to Dallas (Big "D", Texas "T") I met and made such a wonderful GirlFriend in MaryLee. We have been thru lifes most difficult trials.  With our husbands we have travelled together to beautiful places. Always ready to go and make the good times roll.   She shares my love of the Catholic Church and family.   I admire her and look up to her.  She is my GirlFriend.

The thing about true GirlFriends is that it doesnt matter how much time has passed between you.  When you reunite there are no days missing. Time does not change the bond you share.  It is as if they walked out of the room only to get their purse and walked right back in the room again.  None of these remarkable ladies are blood related but they are my GirlFriends and that makes them my family.  I know that if I needed them for anything they would be ready to help without any questions asked. 

I hope that they can say the same about me.  I hope they know they can count on me and that I will always have their back. 

D

Take Me Home Honey!

Today, I find myself running to buy groceries, fill up the car and go to the bank. All of this in preparation not for a hurricane but for the "cold" front headed our way tomorrow. Sounds funny as I think about it. Let me back up for you...

I believe it was early 1990's when Tom was asked to go to Chicago to start Kodak One Hour Processing. We bought a house in the western suburbs, Geneva-St Charles. Then came winter!!! I had never in my life seen such cold harsh winds, snowdrifts, and utility bills as I did there. Before this time, I loved going to ski resorts. Loved the clothes. Loved sitting in the lodge sipping a peppermint adult beverage of any kind. I quickly learned, Baby, this aint no Aspen. The first storm came thru and the snowdrifts blocked the opening of all outside doors. Blew over our very heavy gas grill on the deck. You could not see where the driveway ended and the road began. Our first winter in Chicago had begun. I called Mother, Judy, and Kim. Help Me! lol

The first thing I learned when you live in Chicago is you need a snow shovel, a snow blower and when you could find one available, a guy with a truck with a big shovel on the front that you could $ to take care of it.

Getting 5 yr old little Dave ready for school was like something out of The Christmas Story. Layers upon layers, coat, gloves, hat with ear flaps....I can't put my arms down! I recall every morning layering gloves, scarf and hat with snow shovel in hand I headed out to attack the driveway so Tom could pull his car out. It was a 3 car garage but I only shoveled enough for one car to get out. lol. sprinkle salt and move to the walkway. I had never experienced such harsh cold winds in all my life. I use to love the fluffy magical flakes falling out of the heavens but during that time this Southern Girl wanted to shoot them out of the sky with a Remington 1100 20 gauge.

Though I cursed Chicago on many occasions I loved the opportunities, experiences and friendships all three of the kids experienced because we were there. There is always a positive in every situation if you look for it. Had we not been in Chicago we would not have discovered the intimate Jazz Showcase in downtown Chicago and the fantastic performers who came thru town. I remember the kids meeting Diana Krall before she ever became famous, Christian McBride and many others. Charlotte loved being a cheerleader. We had so much fun going to her competitions and then the creme de la creme they won State. Brian played basketball on a travel team. He was a great center. Had we not been in Chicago he may not have discovered his true love, jazz. Dave still has Jimmy as one of his best friends. They met on the first day of Montisorri School when they were both only 5. Tom won accolades within the industry for his role in implementing Kodak Pictures.

But, back to this big bad storm we have coming in tomorrow it reminds me of "THE" day in Chicago. The temperature was below 0, I had a scarf over my nose and mouth, hat, two pairs of gloves, coat, snow boots, and blower in hand while the mighty winds, sleet and snow were having their way with me. That was the day when Tom drove in and with my snow blower raised in the air I shouted out "Honey, if you love me you will take me home!". Home meant Texas. That was the last winter we spent in Chicago.

Tom shows me everyday how much he loves me. I can't wait to light the fireplace tomorrow and make a pot of something especially yummy for my hubby. He deserves it.

Moral of this story: You can take the girl out of Texas but can't take the Texas out of this girl!

D

Live A Life Of Music....

My great grandfather, who passed before I was born, was a farmer who I understand had little schooling but was very musical. He could play guitar, violin..just about anything handed to him. My hubby can play guitar and has been known to seranade me on occassion. lol I love that both of our sons have filled our lives with music.

After having achieved National Ranking for the UNC youth swim team at the age of 12, in Chapel Hill, NC, Brian decided he had achieved his swim goal and now wanted to begin playing guitar like his father. Mother purchased his first guitar when we arrived in Dallas to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family. It was only a few weeks later when Tom admitted Brian had surpassed his teaching ability and it was time to start paying for guitar lessons. Which we did. Within a few years we were in a suburb of Chicago - Geneva-St. Charles and Brian was in a rock band called The Businessmen. They wrote and recorded their first cd in jr high. In High School he discovered jazz and became the guitarist in the St. Charles High School jazz band. They were very good and his senior year won the right to perform at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsailles, Clark Terry and others. Guitar led to a full ride in school for Brian in jazz performance and then certification from Dallas Sound Labs for Sound Engineering. Now living in Austin, his days are filled with music. He plays, teaches, writes, arranges, and records music. He has played with many of the great jazz legends and already has memories that would last most of us a lifetime. One of the most delightful memories for me was opening my Christmas present this year from him. He and several friends made me my own holiday cd...vocals, guitar, trumpet, trombone, violin, mandolin, drums. It is wonderful!! It is the middle of January and I listen to it at least once a day.

Dave, our youngest, picked up a guitar and started playing by ear when he was in jr high. How can you not read music but produce such beautiful sounds? One day he began playing a classical spanish tune from the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona...which was beautiful! How can you hear something and then play it? I will never understand it. In High School he played in a group called Kingfish. They played at SXSW his senior year in High School which is pretty unheard of. They were too young to get into any of the clubs but we had a great time on 6th street. lol The following May the boys graduated h.s. and each went to separate universities. They still get together during breaks and holidays to play and record. This past year Dave joined a band called Final Club in Denton, Tx. They just finished recording their first cd and have received quite a bit of press and a really nice following. They returned earlier this week from headlining in Brooklyn and playing in NYC. Village Voice, Brooklyn Vegan, as well as several music blogs gave them rave reviews. I laugh at the stories he has told me (like staying in an apartment above a chinese restaurant) and even louder at those I probably havent heard.

Nothing makes me happier than to turn up the music in my house or in the car and hear my boys. Many times I have happy tears streaming down my face while listening and I am sure the other drivers must think I am having a really bad day. Quite the opposite. Our sons are similar in that they both are very creative and artistic and yet very different in the way they communicate their musical talents. Their lives of music fills our lives with love and that is one happy note to end on.

D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!

We had one son and another one on his way any day and we needed a new car. So my 8 yr old partner in crime, Brian, and I set out to look for a new car. 8-1/2 months pregnant I was pretty slow but my co-hart held my hand as we found the dealership we were looking for. Dyer & Dyer Volvo in Atlanta. We met a nice young salesman, Mike Nickerson, who showed us around and said he could get the car I was looking for but it would take several days. No problem. Just as he had said, Mike called and asked if I could come down and take a look at the sparkling white volvo w/ golden cloth seats. Yes! I had been advised to take the car to a special mechanic for a quick looksy before purchasing. I called Tom who worked only a few blocks away at Kodak and he joined in the ride to the beginning of another adventure. Seems like we drove and drove and when we finally reached our destination it looked as if was straight out of Mayberry. We take a seat inside on a sofa with springs protruding in every direction. There is a very old dirty metal desk with a black rotary phone. Really? They put the car up and begin running diagnostics. I however am beginning to have diagnostics of my own as I feel strange cramping. (Brian was a scheduled birth so this going into labor was a whole new thing for me). I excuse myself to go into the only restroom that was used only by men. I dont need to say more.... These pains are getting much stronger now. We call the dr on the rotary phone (didnt have cell phones back then). Dr. Moussakahni advises we need to get to the hospital immediately. Well, lets see....the car is up on the block, the mechanic asks for us to wait until he completes the test, and Mike our single never been married car salesman starts to panic. Not sure if he feels he may not complete the deal or if my grimmacing face was making him nervous. Car comes down, I lay down in the backseat, Tom in the front and Mike (our single never been married and very panicked car salesman) is the driver. LETS GO!!! We are speeding to the hospital...right? Sort of. Tom forgets where the hospital is, I believe my water has broken and Mike is going the wrong way on the freeway. As most women would think at a time like this....must I do everything? I can give you directions but do you want me to drive also? I am sure I had lost my sense of humor. By some strange miracle we arrive at the hospital with several nurses waiting outside with a wheelchair. The nurses push me to the elevator but there is no sign of Tom. What??? He has slightly paniced and went ahead of me. Within a matter of minutes, clothes ripped off, gown on, husband by my side and anesthesia on its way. Knock, knock, knock... In walks Mike Nickerson asking if we would like to put a deposit down on the car. I am in full blown labor and Tom is asking me for the checkbook. He begins to write out the check (which I still have in David’s scrapbook) when I let them both know this can be handled another day. Within a short period of time I am holding our beautiful David Evan Broderick. All is right with the world again. The next morning flowers are delivered to the room from Mike Nickerson. Tom went and purchased the car. The following month the D&D Sales Meeting was based on sales and the “delivery” of the car. We heard from Mike every year for quite awhile. He married and had his own children.
Today is David Evan Broderick (DEB initials) 22nd birthday. How very proud we are of him. He amazes me with his creative abilities, his kindness, and thoughtfulness. Rarely do you see him without a big smile across his face. Dave and I have travelled to many places together and he is a wonderful travel partner. Next week his band, Final Club, is travelling to New York to perform and I will stay home. Its time for me to cut the leash. How did this happen? It seems only yesterday big brother Brian was holding his baby brother in the hospital for the first time. Our children grow up but they are always our babies. Have fun in NYC son but remember to call home.

Happy Birthday My Sweet Boy,
Mom aka D