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.