Happy Birthday, Maureen

I had the post written.  This morning, as I was having my coffee, I had your post written...in my mind.

It was about you and your gift with children. Babysitting with you last week (with the Buritos), I had another chance to witness that gift.  It left an indelible mark on me, Maureen; I was flooded with memories of past times I have witnessed you with little one's.   And I now wonder if Charlie, Catherine and Adela are asking for "spicy teas" before bedtime; are asking if they can watch their favorite songs on YouTube instead of reading quietly on the couch.  All week I have thought about you and that special gift you have with children, given to you by God.  It's the same gift that also causes you to drop what you're doing in order to aid those in need.  This quality is deeply imbedded in you.  You do it all seemingly without effort, although effort is always required.  And you do it with such grace.  And you do it so well.  

With that in mind, I decided to post some pictures of you with some of the little one's in your life. 

But I had to post this as well:  

It was when I found the photo album I made (wow, 40 years ago, after Cy was born) that I came across the hospital birth announcement I posted on Clare's birthday.  It's full of birthday cards and announcements pertaining to the 3 of you.  I don't have an official announcement of your birth, Maureen.  Instead I have many, many newspaper clippings...well....you've heard about the story surrounding your birth. (And one of these days I'm going to post the events of your birth because they are worth remembering).

This one captures your birth and Baptism.  The "Gracias Mrs. Bozell" still cracks me up.  "Thank you, Mrs. Bozell" - because in Spain, the mother's surname is always applied. 

Of course, your gift with children aside, you also possess a keen quality for teasing.  I always assumed you inherited this from Dad.  But now I wonder.  Is it possible that Uncle Michael posited this from miles away? 

 To my first born, who never let's us loose sight of the awe and wonder of innocence.

                            HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Maureen.