You Made Me: A Birthday Shout Out to My Children

Anyone who has known me for very long, knows that I was an obnoxious parent. I was one of those mothers who would trap you in a corner, if given the opportunity, and tell you about every feeding, minor illness, burp and giggle. And it wasn't like I didn't know I was being obnoxious.

I could see the painful look on the faces of those I chose to torture. I could see those glances to one another that people think you can't see but you always do. But I honestly couldn't help myself. I had been training myself for motherhood since I was a girl.

Delainia, Gerald, Elainia

Me and Gerald circa 1981

Mother has never been a pejorative word to me. Even though I was 17 when I had my son, motherhood is a sacred role and I knew it and treated it as such even then as a young college student.

And my children, though a perpetual pain in my...uh...abdomen..have always been a source of joy and love.

It's hard to believe that they are all adults now. My son has two beautiful, spirited daughters of his own. And one of the twins is expecting a baby in April!

Alexus, Gerlad

I wouldn't be a writer today or an anything without the challenges and unequivocal love we all have for one another.

All three of my biological children have birthdays a week apart. Delainia and Delainia TODAY (October 12) and Gerald (October 17). LOVE Y'ALL

Happy Birthday Gerald, Delainia and Elainia!!!

PS I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Journey and Isaac, who have become as dear to me as if I'd given them birth too. (Though I know I didn't bear the labor pains, Teresa :)) And I thank Journey for three more beautiful grandchildren.

Ron and I are too young to have our own ready-made family reunion but we do. We fuss, we cuss, we shake our heads then envelope them all in hugs as wide and warm as our arms will allow. Then we fuss and cuss and shake our heads some more.

Isaac and Alexus

Zaria and Journey

Kareen and Ameir