My son, Craig

"The father is always a Republican toward his son, and his mother's always a Democrat. "-- Robert Frost

Craig celebrated his 29th birthday back in February. The "girls", his sisters, always tease me about catering to this male child, "spoiling" him. I deny it, I give instances, I proclaim my innocence. I loved, and love, all four of my children deeply and well, I think. At all times I tried to be an "equal opportunity" mother and at Christmas when the children were small, I figured and budgeted and could come up with appoximately the same number of packages for each child and spend equal amounts, down to within pennies, so that the gifts were all equal -- and fair.

However, that said, a mother's relationship with her son is different than with daughters just as the relationship with one daughter differs from that of another daughter due to personalties, interests and character. And now that Erica has a son, and Traci, (and hopefully one day, if they so wish, Kristy and Johanna will) they will know the bond that exists between mother and son.

So, Happy 29th year, my son. May your son give you the rewards and blessings that you have given me (with maybe a few less worries and gray hairs)!! And would you like those meatballs WITHOUT onions? Love, Ma

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous.
It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. - Elizabeth Stone