On June 20th 1979, my mother and father arrived from New York to
their new home in New Jersey. My mother was seven and a half months
pregnant and assumed her role as
she always did of
director – ordering the movers, her mother, brothers and husband to get the
boxes in and unpacked as this baby will be here in less than two months.
Apparently a nosy little seven and a half month old in
the womb heard that comment and had to see what all the fuss was
about and my mother went into labor and they were off to the hospital where she
gave birth to her ‘SUN.’ Although premature, John-Paul turned out to be a
happy healthy baby boy and after a week in the hospital, they arrived back in
Blackwood where their new home had quickly grown by two feet.
My grandmother welcomed my parents and her first grandchild as she
worked effortlessly the entire week to unpack the essentials and stuff the rest
in the attic, basement and garage – all of which I am still unpacking and
cleaning out to date.
The ‘SUN’ was the best baby anyone could ask for; rarely cried,
got right on a solid sleeping schedule and was an absolute joy to be around so
three years later there was no hesitation when my mother told my father they
were expecting their second child. His initial response was “wow, what a
surprise, but we seem to have this parenting thing down pat – look how great
John-Paul is.” My mother agreed and said, “Yes, the best ‘SUN’ ever, this
little one shall be the same joy.”
Two years later my parents found themselves looking at each other
and stating simultaneously, “If she was born first than she would have been an
only child.”
Eh, I was born on mischief night, what do you expect?
---
‘SUNNY’ barely made it through grade school, however my mother
took a deep breath before receiving the first quarter report card from high
school and was relieved and very proud to see straight A’s. He continued
that way and eventually graduated with his PhD. from Drexel University.
His accomplishments, responsible action and dedication to his
family deserve to be commended. My brother and I are both alike and
different in many ways, but we complement each other very well as we actually
always got along and never had that sibling rivalry; the equation was very
simple – I tortured him and he sat there and took it and I still try my best
until this day :->
All joking aside, we meshed and always took care of will continue
to take care of each other; that will never change.
Thirty-three years ago today the world was blessed with an amazing
person when my mother delivered her ‘SUN’ – the
center of her universe and
while she cannot be here on his special day this year, I know she is shining
down and smiling while bragging to everyone in heaven, showing pictures and
telling stories of her beautiful ‘SUN.’
Happy Birthday John-Paul, enjoy!
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