Not being together with my kids on their birthday just isn't fun. Today is Joey's 28th birthday and I miss him very much. We should be enjoying his favorite birthday dinner of lasagne. I know he will hate reading this, but I did make the lasagne yesterday and we all enjoyed it. I would have mailed you some, Joe, but thought it might not mail well.
Joe had an unfortunate trip to New Orleans this year and his prized Mom-made quilt was lost. There is a new one in progress, which was to be a birthday gift, but is still in the "construction" stage. (see picture at right). Better late than never.....it's coming Joe!
28 years ago today I went to Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, MI, hoping for a baby boy. This was long before ultrasounds that spoiled the surprise. With 2 beautiful girls, we were really hoping for a son. This was the first time Joe was going into the delivery room. He promised only to try to accompany me through the birth. He made it, cut the cord and was the first to welcomed his son to the world.
Joseph Daniel Chin III (or the Turd as affectionately called by his sisters) was his father's pride and joy. A huge party was held to celebrate his baptism, complete with a mariachi band. Joe danced the first dance with Joey in his arms.
Many years have passed and tonight my mind is like a slide show.
Joey in pre-school refusing to appear in the Christmas program in his pajamas. What a mad face he has in the pictures from that night. Scenes of Joe coaching T-ball and Joey sitting in the outfield playing in the sand, with Joe screaming "Joey get UP!" He looked so cute in that little baseball uniform. The Mother's Day program in elementary school with Joey dressed as a flower is an unforgettable memory. What a smile!
Watching out my window on Henry Street when my little son shoveled the snow for our elderly neighbor and then took him dinner so he wouldn't be lonely. A few years later, watching him play Taps at his friend's funeral, tears in his eyes. He always makes me proud to be his Mom.
High school years bring memories of Joey behind the counter at the Video Store. Those are memories we will share forever. "Do you have that movie? About that guy?" (private joke only the video veterans understand).
I love remembering the day I piled all Joey's clothes inside Joey's Volkswagen all the way to the top. He had refused to clean his room. I think I threw them on the lawn for the same reason once.
Then there was the summer he ran away from home and joined the carnival. Oh, he didn't tell me the truth.......oh no, he told me he was working construction for the summer. Then I find out he is BoBo the Clown in the dunk tank, sleeping in the back of U-hauls, wrapped in Mom's homemade quilt. We all have to grow up our own way. Joey had to experience it ALL.
It happened quickly that my little boy grew up. The next thing I knew he was wrapping his quilt around him and his babies. He is Daddy now. Just when I thought having a son like Joe couldn't get any better, we were gifted with Alexis and then Joseph Daniel Chin IV.
Beautiful, smart, wonderful Alexis and Daniel. Thanks, Joey for giving me those fantastic grandchildren to bring more joy into our lives. Those 28 years have passed all too quickly, but they are filled with great memories of being Joe's Mom.
Happy Birthday to Joe!
