As I stumbled through the gloom of a rainy early Sunday morning and helped Maria get ready for a trip to Lakeshore Hospital Pointe-Claire, it occurred to me that:
Don’t know what it’ll be yet, but his/her birthday will be today – Oct 2.
Ultrasound wasn’t quite as precise back then so we got a yellow outfit ready for the trip home.
I guess we had expectations even then. Routine labor and delivery. Healthy child. Bring baby home. Of course it never happens that way and after a frustrating and painful time for Maria, Sarah arrived and was swiftly bundled off into the nursery for observation.
Bur she did exceed expectations even then. Healthy, lovely to look at, a sweet girl (I had in my heart of hearts hoped for a daughter.) Many years of growth and development lay ahead and I can honestly say that my primary expectation all through it was that she grow up to be a kind honest and loving person. She exceeded that in every way, plus excelled in academics, socially, and as a leader in every environment.
Look up HOBY . She experienced that weekend in Grade 10 – and deserved it for sure. Sarah won just about every academic award you could at every level, was president of her university residence, a student senator. After her academic career she has conquered a challenging management program in the Federal Government, become fluent in French, run a number of recruitment and personnel programs and oh yes – taken the time to be a devoted wife and mother of 3 wonderful kids.
Happy birthday, my dear daughter. Expectations exceeded – always.
