It is after your birthday, but I have been thinking of you. First I was in Tallahassee and so glad you and Elissa made it down for Loren’s memorial gathering. Such a grinding trip for you guys, monster drinks notwithstanding, but it was so special, and comforting, just being together. Then I was traveling in Budapest and Krakow, both beautiful cities, but mourning my dear brother. Still, June 13 brought special memories. Always does!We were in Madison. Elissa was 3 and 1/2 years old. A week before your due date, we packed a bag for the hospital and made sure Elissa had a babysitter for when we went to get her baby sister or brother. In those days we didn't know the gender until the baby was born. It was a big surprise. Also, dads were not allowed in the delivery room, so fathers had to sit tight in a waiting area, while moms were wheeled into a cold sterile-looking delivery room, where the nurses and doctors took over.
There had been some awful news before you were born.Awful world news. From Vietnam, from the American south. The death of Bobby Kennedy, then MLK Jr. Good lord that was a terrible year, 1968. Loren and I talked about it a lot. The best news was June 13, the day you were born.
I woke up feeling like I had the flu. Then about 1:00 or so the contractions started. It wasn't flu, it was you. We made it to the hospital and you were born about 4:00 pm. A short but tough labor and delivery. "Oh, what a beautiful head of hair, " one of the nurses said. Your shoulder got stuck, we struggled, and then out you came, crying like mad. "Well now, who asked me if I wanted to be here?"
Another girl, our Michelle. It was a Beatles' song, and my grandmother Luchetti's middle name, your nana's mom. I have a feeling there were lots of Michelles born that year! But to me you were "Michelle, ma belle."
You had a lot of ear-aches, sore throats and stomach upsets your first few years, but you were quick and curious, crawled and walked early. You let us know when you were miserable. You were an adorable child, thick hair, blue eyes, beautiful smile. Your legs were bowed and we tried orthopedic shoes to straighten them, but oh boy did you protest. Once on the ferry from Hyannis over to Nantucket a guy asked if you were from Texas, with those bowed legs. "Been riding a horse?" he asked, and laughed. Actually, I didn't think it was funny then, but now I do.
That didn't stop you from running around. You loved running free in Nantucket, building sand castles, running along the shore, climbing up and down the cliffs, swimming. You liked being on the boat with Brad and Jean, South shore picnics with Oggy and family, playing with cousins and friends.
Being back in Toledo was sometimes another thing. More challenges. One year you had surgery for an osteochondroma, a benign tumor on your arm near your shoulder. You came through with flying colors, and a big scar, a badge of honor. And you had your best friend Janna, your Farah Fawcett haircut, and your fun times with friends, at birthday parties and also with Nana and Grandpa. You were happy visiting them in Rochester, and you were happy when they came to Toledo. On one of their trips, Nana brought an Easter cake in the shape of a bunny! You were also glad when she lived down the street, on Robinwood. You played cards, baked, did projects. That's when she built your doll house, a tudor style you liked, and one for Elissa, Alison and Kaaren. Those were precious gifts.
Sure there were rough times. We all have them. But you toughed it out and proved to be a real Tiger. That's what grandpa Curro called you. It was like the Frank Sinatra song he loved, "I Did It My Way!" You became a mom and a nurse. You have three beautiful children, Alli, Joshua and Kyle. You make your home beautiful. You love color, flowers, gardening (when you have time); you put things together in unique and beautiful ways. You have your own style. You have lots of Nana's things, and you take care of them, love them, like you loved your nana. You say you have only happy memories of grandpa. I know he smiled at that one! You inherited their love of tradition. It's amazing how memories get sweeter and sweeter with age. Nana taught me that. And your uncle Loren. He had a special place in his heart for you. I see them all smiling down at you, being your angels, and joining me in wishing you a happy birth day every day of the year! Your ever-loving mom
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