Friday, March 2, 2012

How Can That Be???

It's just not possible!  There must be a major rift in the space/time continuum!  Lloyd and I are in shock!

Where were you 40 years ago today?  I remember well where I was - in a hospital in Edmonton struggling to bring our first child into the world.  Forty years ago!!! How can I be old enough to have a 40-year old son??  Oh, right.  That space/time continuum thingy.

And yes, today is all about me!  On March 2, 1972 I began the career that has forever defined who I am, a career that will never end - one I can't retire from (although I can, and do, hide from it occasionally).  There have been promotions along the way (although not much in the way of raises!).  Promotions such as the one from 'Baby mummy' to 'Little Kid Mummy', to 'Teenager Mum'.  Then 'Mother of the Bride/Groom', and 'Empty Nest Mum', and then the best promotion of all, with a new title - 'Grammie'. Each promotion came with a huge learning curve and a mostly 'learn as you go' training period.  I like to think I've been a success at the job.  The kids are all grown up, educated, employed, married, sane, and happy.  What more could I ask for.


Here are some of the things I've enjoyed about this 40-year career.

* My great partner and co-conspirator, Lloyd
* I've never had to be alone (even when I wanted to be)
* I learned to play and like kid games
* Kids were a captive audience and didn't seem to mind my off-key singing.
* The hugs and kisses, freely given
* Watching my parents learn to be grandparents
*  Having adult children call us Mummy and Daddy
* People asking "are they all yours?"
* The huge feeling of pride on graduation and wedding days
*Watching the kids develop into great husbands, wives and parents
 * Unconditional love, given and received
* Developing family traditions and seeing them carried on with our adult children's families


Now, there were a few things I didn't like too:

* The guilt that comes with the job, no matter how well you do it.
* Mother's day - I always felt I didn't live up to the hype.  That and the fact that it usually detracted from my birthday, which often fell on the same day.
* Attending all the parent/teacher conferences for 7 kids.
* Flu season
* Crowded cars
* Worrying, never ending.

Overall though it's been a great 40 years thanks to a great bunch of kids and a super partner.


Oh yes, back to the topic of this post:

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Robert
Happy birthday to you


Robert Logan MacKenzie

- a super son - everything a parent could wish for
- a great big brother - tormenter of siblings
- a beloved husband who found the perfect mate for himself
- a cherished father for Anson and Brooklyn
- a smart metallurgical engineer
- a determined golfer
- a lover of family.

See you later - your cake is ready.

18 comments:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Happy birthday to your son and Congrats on your wonderful career. I loved how you put it that it is your day! I agree! Your post about all your promotions etc was unique and I think I'd have to say it is really a day for you to be celebrating you! My oldest turned 40 last year and it is unbelievable. Didn't we just turn 40 only a short while ago ourselves? Have a wonderful celebration!!!

Laeli said...

I think this is one of the best parent/birthday posts I've ever read. So balanced and accurate for
the entire experience.

I was laughing like crazy at "That space/time continuum thingy." Hahahaha too true! And then I laughed even harder because at first my thoughts were..wow 40!
There's a number,ha ha.Then I was confused by the date of your boy's birth..1972..I was born in 1973..but I'm..oh yeah..turning 39 this year....WOW 40!! Ha ha ha ha ha! It looks like that space/time continuum thingy has been working on me too,lol

I can really relate to your thoughts on guilt. Man oh man, there is a lot of that:) The Universal feeling/thought of all mothers.

Happy Birthday Robert and Happy Birth Day to you Pat!

TARYTERRE said...

That space/time continuum thing will get you every time. LOL WONDERFUL tribute to your son's birthday. May he have many more. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. But also LOVE the nod to women everywhere that are moms. It's a career that lasts a lifetime, for sure. My daughters are 38 and 36, so I know exactly what you feel. BEAUTIFULLY said, every word. Take care.

Bev said...

Isn't it amazing how fast the time goes...and that first child's birthday...I know for me are clearer than the others ....just for the reason it was the first...and they made us mom's!

Have a wonderful day...son and mom!

Bev said...

Isn't it amazing how fast the time goes...and that first child's birthday...I know for me are clearer than the others ....just for the reason it was the first...and they made us mom's!

Have a wonderful day...son and mom!

Chatty Crone said...

Happy birthday to your husband and son. sandie

just call me jo said...

That space continum thing is really working overtime in my area of the universe. Happy Day. Happy Mothering, etc.

Desiree said...

Happy 40th Birthday, Robert!

This was a beautiful post, so full of love, wisdom and frankness. Thank you for sharing.

Magpie said...

This is an amazing post. I'm so glad I read it. You summed up so many things that I've felt for years just beautifully. Congratulations to you and yours - job well done!!!

Ellie said...

Happy Birthday to your Robert. Hope he enjoys his cake!!!
It's one of the best jobs isn't it - even the bad bits are quite good when you look back on them. I can't even imagine not having my girls.
Love your post today. :))

sara said...

"Sane" is debatable

Emtron said...

dang, I want some of that cake

Mickey said...

What a beautiful post! It brought me to tears! I have a daughter born in '72 too!
Happy Birthday Rob!

jq said...

So you're pregnant with me in that pic, right?

Haf Dozen Reasons....... said...

What a wonderful post!! And what a great career choice you made!!
You forgot to add to the not so fun list-dirty diapers!
Congrats to you for such a successful career!! And birthday wishes to your "boy"!

Granny Annie said...

Forty years ago I was having a grand time with my 2 month old daughter and her 16 month old brother:)

Anonymous said...

My son towers over me - but he'll always be my baby!! I realised he was grown up when he took my hand to cross the road ......

Anonymous said...

Great post Mom. I forget that you went through the same things as a mom that we do. You definately live up to the hype
Mary