Mother's Day, 1980

I was born first
when you were young and inexperienced
and in awe of having given life.

I lived through the struggles of the early years.
The unfurnished apartment on Avenue H
the walk from P.S. 119 to catechism class
(until you realized it wouldn't work out and
put me in Catholic school instead.)
I never demanded the things you couldn't buy
Satisfied at feeling the love
and the pride you had in me.

He was born in the middle
a difficult position to be in.
He never got to do things first
But being second was not without its advantages
When he wanted to go to the movies
Or baseball games with his friends
And you had already learned to let go from me.

He was the irresponsible one
Leaving jackets all over Brooklyn playgrounds
and boots in school.
He knew you would forgive him
and love him for the surprises he brought you each day.

She was born last
And changed our routines
We had to give away our dog.
And interrupt baseball games on late summer nights
if we woke her up when we came in for a drink of water.
Pleasures we gladly gave up
for the unexpected gift, the joy
of having a baby in the house.

We took out the toys that had been put away for years
And bought some new ones.
She brought laughter at mispronounced baby words
Like "bucata" and others I can't remember
And you loved her - your baby -
The perfect complement to your middle and your first:
the three who will love you all of your life.

Mother's Day, 2000

We are much older now, your three.
I live in Texas.
"Alone," some say.
"Well-accompanied," I say.
And you are one of the few who know what i mean.

He lives the closest to you.
So stable, such a rock.
No longer irresponsible
"a great dad," you say
and his kids agree.

He drives them to soccer games
and dance lessons,
and they feel the love and pride he has in them.

She's not a baby any more

but about to have one.
She promised me she won't give away her dog.
Will there be mispronounced baby words?
Of course.
But will they be in english or in spanish?
We don't know.
We will stay tuned
for the surprises she will bring us each day.

One thing is certain though
as certain as it was in 1980
we are your three
your first, your middle and your last.
The three who still love you
who, along with dad and your growing family, the ones who will love you
all of your life.

Happy Mother's Day, 2000.