A Letter to My Daughter Erin on Her 33rd Birthday!

It was 33 years ago today that I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl that we named Erin. Dad was in the Navy, and we were stationed in Charleston S.C., dad was out to sea for three months and was expected back in 2 weeks. I went back to New York to have you and to be close to family. Well you were very comfortable and came 3 weeks late. When we went to meet dad the Red Cross had never notified him to let him know that you were born. Needless to say he was beside himself with worry!  One of our neighbors on the other crew told him that he had a beautiful little girl. When he finally got off the ship and had you in his arms there was a sign of relief that all was ok. It was a great moment, that I will never forget.

Erin as a baby

You being the first born were the one that we made many mistakes on I am sure, trying to be the best parents that we could. But we were young, and had no idea how to take care of a baby. But you were swimming at 10 months, then ended up swimming in college, you were and still are always smiling.

Erin with her brother Greg

I will always remember when we moved to Oswego, you were starting the 6th grade, on the first day of school I made you wear a dress because where we had lived before, that's what they wore on the first day of school. You begged me to take you home to change. Liz was a newborn, it was to far, and it was the first day of school! I am sorry I should have taken you home and let you change into shorts like the rest of the kids.

Erin's 4th Birthday - Look at my blonde hair...Wow!

Erin's High School Graduation ( Erin on the right)

 The day I took you to college was so hard, I  cried all the way home. That Dixie Chick song made me cry every time I heard it! But you survived and made many lifelong friends.

Erin on the right with the glasses (Erin with roommate Debbie)

Now you are grown, have a great job and can support yourself but, I will always have the urge to take care of you. I just want you to know that I have always meant to do my best to be a good mother. Many time I wish that I could be with you when you need me. I just want you to know how much I love you! Happy Birthday!!

Love you,
  Mom