Happy 21st Birthday Darlin'!

 

We do not have children now...  Both sons are young adults.

We've been raising them for years; we're thrilled with the results.

Youngest son turns 21 today... There'll be a crowd;

Family who love him and the parents he's made proud.

Sitting here - remembering the day that he was born -

Looking back on all the years and trying not to mourn

For the end of childhood and the turning of a page,

Starting a new chapter as we reach this milestone age.

Going out for Mai Tais - which he swears will be his first...

Maybe so, although I'm pretty sure he's quenched his thirst

On a beer or two or six before but, what the hell,

If he's happy and his college grades are doing well?

This is it! Your time to shine, my darlin'... Have some fun.

Happy Birthday - and a few suggestions for you son:

Take it easy when in pubs and don't debate a punk.

Call an Uber and remember - No one likes a drunk.

Happy 23rd Birthday Darlin'

Our son says nobody likes you when you're 23...

I suspect he's quoting Blink 182 at me.

Since our eldest will be turning 23 today,

Want to tell him he should not believe a word they say.

I know lots of people who think he is pretty great;

Funny, smart, and handsome and, on this auspicious date,

As we celebrate another birthday with our son,

We hope he discovers 23 is lots of fun.

It's an age when you're considered one of the adults;

Old enough your education's showing some results,

Young enough you haven't started dragging your caboose

But, when you screw up, you still have youth as an excuse.

Hate to disagree but Blink 182 is wrong;

Twenty-three's the perfect age, so don't believe their song. 

It's your year for doing all the things that you enjoy...

Trust your mom on that and Happy Birthday darlin' boy.

Happy 80th Birthday Mom!

(Can you believe this woman is 80?)

My mom is extraordinary. Don't take it from me;

Anyone who's ever met my mother would agree.

She raised six kids on her own.  She's always in the loop.

She holds us together and we're still a tight-knit group.

Mom is a retired nurse. I'm told that she was great.

It was her vocation and, although she started late,

All her patients loved her because she would start to sing

Anytime a phrase reminded her of anything. 

She is warm and nurturing; a "Mom" to many strays...

Strangers she would welcome to our home on holidays.

It's a compliment when someone says I have her face.

(She was once a beauty queen who finished 2nd place.)

And my mom's still beautiful, although she's 80 now.

When we went to school together, I remember how

Handsome, younger men would flirt with her - 'cause she was fun...

Never mind the fact they weren't much older than her son.

My mom is a lady though; she oozes upper class.

Always gracious - even dealing with a horse's ass.

Calm in any crisis.  I am always filled with pride

When I have this stylish woman walking by my side.

She's been slowing down of late, but I still can't keep up.

Do her loved ones know we're lucky that we've got her? Yup!

Happy Birthday Mom!  May you have many, many more:

Healthy, happy, knowing you're the one we all adore.

Happy 20th Birthday

Happy birthday darlin'...  May you have a hundred more.

Hope you smile so much it makes your facial muscles sore.

That still wouldn't make us even...  These last 20 years

You have made me grin and laugh until I was in tears.

You have brought such joy to us, my love, that we'll forgive

Those few times I wasn't sure if we would let you live.

But, I'm really glad we did...  Especially today.

Who wants peace and quiet from their children anyway?

Happy 40th Birthday to the GOAT

 

40 years ago today the Brady's had a son.

At the time I'm sure they didn't know he was the one

Whom the sports gods favored over any other child...

On the day that Tom was born those gods looked down and smiled.

Tom's a gift the sports gods gave to all New England fans;

One that keeps on giving since, apparently, he plans

To go win another ring.  (He'll need a second hand...

Victory parade route is already being planned.)

On this anniversary of that auspicious day,

On behalf of sports fans everywhere, I'd like to say;

Thank you to the sports gods and to Brady's dad and mom.

Thank you to his teams and coaches...  Happy Birthday Tom!

Happy 19th Birthday Darlin'

My handsome, smart, funny, youngest son and his dad.

 

This birthday's the last one I'm the mother of a teen;

19 years ago our son arrived upon the scene...

We thought he was perfect then and, frequently, still do.

I cannot believe - next year - his age will start with 2.

Our poor son will always be my little boy to me,

Never mind the fact that he's already 6 foot 3

(Plus, I swear, the boy's still growing taller everyday)

And the brownish hair I had is now completely gray.

Evidence the years are quickly passing I ignore

Even as I wish our son a happy hundred more.

But, if I should live to see that, hope it won't annoy

Him to learn that, even then, he'll be my little boy.

Happy 21st Birthday Darlin'

 

Oldest son turned twenty-one today.  That went by fast!

Something I did not believe when told so in the past.

Pregnancy felt endless and my labor longer still...

(Obstetrician would have died that day if looks could kill.)

It seems only yesterday they placed him in my arms,

When I swore that we would keep him safe from any harms.

'though we swiftly learned that life, sometimes, won't go to plan

It's not long, at all, from child to boy to fine, young man.

Happy Birthday darlin'.  Now that drinking is allowed

I know you'll remember all you've learned and make us proud:

Nothing's less attractive than some loud, obnoxious drunks

Except for the aftermath...  On knees and blowing chunks.

Welcome to 50

Triumphant! (Photo/Kate Corr Walsh)

 

Happy Birthday brother dearest...  Welcome to the group!

As you're new to 50, thought you'd like to know the scoop.

This, my love, is middle age; for it's official now

(Unless science finds a way to lengthen lives, somehow.)

This is when your body parts will all begin to ache;

When you cannot go too long without a bathroom break.

You'll start hearing "creaking" in your knees and hips and spine.

Do not let it bother you.  I promise, you'll be fine.

There are compensations for the pains of growing old;

You no longer have to do exactly as you're told.

You've got more authority than younger people do;

Who'd do very well by simply emulating you.

You're someone to be admired in so many ways...

I will not go on about it since you don't like praise.

But, you'll make a great addition to the Old Folks' team

As age gives you freedom to pursue the life you dream.

Happy 17th Birthday Darlin'

Happy Birthday darlin' boy...  Today you're 17

And, although you cannot seem to keep your bedroom clean;

'though you turn the "music" up when listening to rap

(Trust your mother darlin' - that's not music...  That is crap.)

Even though I don't approve of one kid in your group,

'though you do not walk your dog enough (or clean up poop)

You have always been a gift I've given to myself.

Who cares if you've never learned to put things on a shelf?

It's not just your height that puts you far above the crowd,

It's the little things you do that make your parents proud.

Thoughtful, kind, and funny - you are sensitive and smart -

And your mother loves you from the bottom of her heart.

Many Thanks

Thank you for the birthday wishes, everyone; you're sweet.

When I read them yesterday it made my day complete.

All those rhymes and cards and greetings... Really, I was thrilled.

Thought I oughta let you know - your wishes were fulfilled. 

I hope, when your birthday comes, that it's as good as mine.

You all must have special powers.  Weather was divine.

Mr. S. played golf with me and hired maids to clean

Because I might be the biggest slob you've ever seen.

(Didn't use your wishes on the course - or, not enough -

Since I spent most of the game in hitting from the rough.)

My clan came for dinner - and I didn't have to cook.

I got cards that made me laugh until my belly shook.

Oldest son remembered and he called me up to sing;

Youngest found the perfect card and I got everything

That you all could wish for me...  You guys ain't shooting blanks;

Wishes can be powerful.  Again all; many thanks

Happy Birthday Darlin'

We're so proud.  (Photo/Courtesy of Peter S. Corr, IV)

Our eldest is turning 19

But I still remember the scene;

My hospital bed,

He - wrinkled and red -

Then placed in my arms, pink and clean.

Our family, there in a crowd,

Could tell he'd arrived; he was loud.

Now, over the years,

With love, laughs (some tears)

This young man has made us all proud...

Except for the times he did not.

Today, though, that's better forgot.

We'll dwell on the joy

We've gained from the boy

And not on the times that were fraught.

Your entire family loves you darlin'.  Happy 19th Birthday with wishes for many, many more.

Happy Birthday Mom

We're having a party tonight;

A birthday for our guiding light.

When everyone comes

To celebrate Mums.

It's her who has kept us so tight.

My family's a big one and we

Aware that, were it not for she,

And all that she did

When we were a kid

And huddled about at her knee

Would never have turned out so well.

For, though we put our Mom through hell,

We always knew that,

At the drop of a hat,

She'd come bail you out of a cell.

I'm kidding - No-one's been to jail.

But Mom's always there...  Without fail

She's holding your hand,

So she'd understand

If we'd had to ask her for bail.

Happy Un-Sweet 16th Birthday

Boys do not turn "Sweet 16" I'm told...  That's just for girls.

(In my day it meant you could wear make-up, heels, and pearls.

You were finally  old enough to go out on a date;

Curfew went to midnight which, to me, seems pretty late.)

Boys would rather die before their mother calls them sweet;

Damages their credibility out on the street.

Youngest turns 16 today; we gave our son a phone.

Took him out to dinner after, but I dined alone.

He was busy texting, tweeting, watching video...

Had to snap my fingers, twice, when it was time to go.

16's so significant because he wants to drive;

Scary when you've seen him playing Grand Theft Auto 5.

Happy Birthday darlin'...  Your mother loves you.

Birthday Season

Happy 75th Birthday Mom...  I hope I got your genes.

This is birthday season; we'll be celebrating 4.

We've already had 2 parties - Sunday there's 1 more.

Last night was my mother's; she turned 70 + 5.

(We are very lucky; she's continuing to thrive.)

Dad's was here last weekend and my sister's party's next.

That one is at her house because everyone suspects

That I don't enjoy the fact the party's always here;

Think I'm lying saying it's my favorite time of year.

All I have to do is cook a meal and bake the cake.

While my sisters do the cleaning up, I take a break.

I enjoy the cooking part...  I really hate to clean,

But my sisters are the best at that I've ever seen.

One is great at decorating, one at mixing drinks.

I have much more fun at these than any of them thinks.

Plus, my house is cleaner than it was before they came.

Going to my sister's home will not feel quite the same.

The other 2 March birthday girls (and a very close approximation of my Dad.)

Happy Birthday Darlin' Boy

How did that happen?

Doesn't seem that long ago my youngest joined the scene;

How then is it possible - today he turns 15?

He's the one who looks like me except he's 6 feet 2,

'though he has a baby face he wears a 13 shoe.

He and I are much alike in personality;

Any more laid back you'd need to check morbidity.

He is sweet and sensitive and caring to a fault.

When he sees kids bullying he puts it to a halt.

I pray that he'll stay that way - that life will treat him kind.

Wish that (soon) some girl will realize that he's a find.

Hope that all the things he wants good fortune sends his way

And he knows how much he's loved today and every day.

Happy Birthday! Love, Mom.

I remember when he was much, much smaller.

Happy Birthday darlin' boy - You're 17 today,
And I thought I'd use this opportunity to say
Parents hope their children know how much they're truly loved
(Probably forget to say so when you've lately shoved
Your clean clothes back in the wash when cleaning up your room

But, now's not the time to speak of things that make me fume.)
I can still recall - so clearly - that night you were born;
Realized from that day on my heart was truly torn...
Two parts where there once was one (and now, of course, there's 3)
Hope that you'll take care of what you're keeping there for me.
Don't take stupid chances... Make risks you do take count.
Always know we love you an unlimited amount.
Yes, of course you'll make mistakes. You're not the only one;

All around you, evidence that people make them son.
Don't want to control your life.  We're here to help you out...
And, if you are honest, not like either of us shout.
Make the most of all your blessings. Go and seize the day.
!

Mom and Dad and Andrew love you more than we can say.

Happy Birthday America - A Little Bit Early

Happy Independence Day!  I'll be at the parade

Where I'll stand and cheer each time the anthem's being played,

Stand again - salute the flag whenever she goes by,

Make sure I get up for vet'rans, so I don't know why

I bring any chairs to this - I'm always up and down.

Thank God it's a short parade we have in my small town.

(By the way, I know today is really just the 3rd

But I have potato salad on...  It must be stirred.)

Didn't want to miss the 4th, but I won't be around.

When you live where I do, opportunities abound.

Many people pack a lunch and go to see the Pops

Playing on the Esplanade - They pull out all the stops.

When they do The 1812 the Old North Church bells ring.

We will watch it on TV 'cause - not for anything -

Could I drag my darlin' spouse back to the river Charles;

He was not a fan of the post-concert traffic snarls.

We'll pursue our happiness at home on our back deck.

That means I'll be busy because, right now, it's a wreck.

(Cannot let the guests suspect their hostess is a slob)

Then I have some ears to peel for our corn on the cob.

So, I'm sending wishes now to you and all of yours

Happy Birthday everyone - on all our shining shores,

'cross the amber waves, on purple mountains - out of reach.

Yikes! I've started sounding like a bad Mitt Romney speech.

Happy Birthday Theodor Geisel

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Although you've made me ill,

Even if there were a cure I wouldn't take the pill.

I enjoy this strange disease; in fact, I'm doing fine.

Think I'll nurse this Dr. Seussilitis bug of mine.

Don't know how my children feel about it; haven't asked.

I suspect that they'd prefer to introduce me masked.

Has to be embarrassing - a mother spouting rhyme;

Clearly indicating she's got way too much free time.