“Mr. Tomaselli, just between you and I, your son’s actual birthday is March 17,” said the woman from the pediatrician’s office. I put down the phone and slapped myself on the forehead before continuing.
I knew when she asked for Michael and Danny’s birthdays I was going to get one wrong. I said Danny’s was born March 15. Some of you have probably already figured out that there is no way I should ever get Danny’s big day wrong because he was born on St. Patrick’s Day. HE IS NAMED DANNY BECAUSE OF HIS BIRTHDAY. My mother’s mother, whose own mother was named McKeirnan, loved the song Danny Boy and played it each St. Pat’s Day. If Danny was born on March 15 he would have been named Joseph.
Remembering their birth dates and years has become harder and harder. I’m not sure if it has something to do with being a little older than 39 or that as they grow older we don’t make such a big deal about their birthdays. From birth to 5, birthdays were major productions, requiring lots of advance planning and plenty of food and drink for all the relatives and friends on both sides of the family.
From 5 to 10, the parties were held at bowling alleys, laser tag places, all-purpose sports facilities, karate clubs and other venues. It didn’t require much work on our part but we did have to shell out for about a dozen kids to attend and eat.
Starting at 11, the concern became the cost of their birthday requests and convincing them that I could not allow them and their friends to stay up all night during their birthday sleepovers. The sleepovers ended by the time they were 14.
I remember Michael’s birthday last year because he turned 16 and the next day he got his learner’s permit. I don’t remember what we did for Danny’s 14th birthday. I have promised Danny that on the day he turns 21 I will visit the bars with him. I suspect someone named Danny born on St. Patrick’s Day is going to be offered a lot of free drinks by the Irish. Maybe they will also take care of the guy who named him.
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4 comments:
I feel your pain re: birthday parties. I have had my share of planning and paying, too.
A couple of times instead of a big party, I have had them choose a few close friends to have a smaller gathering, like bowling and McDonald's afterward or pizza/cake/games at home. These smaller events worked out well--the planning was manageable and they were able to spend some quality time with their good buddies.
What a great blog! I have been looking for fresh online content to follow in the new year, and by accident while searching the R-J for other content, stumbled here. Your writing style is easy and conversational, and your anecdotes support your point without feeling forced. I look forward to reading along -- and learning a thing or two -- as you continue the project. Best wishes, --Colleen
I proposed to Sue on St. Patrick's Day, that's what Irish guys are supposed to do, right? Plus everyone expected me to do it on St. Valentine's Day. St Paddy's Day was also my mother's birthday - Patricia - so it is easy to remember. Remind me when Danny turns 21 and this Irish guy will be the first to buy him a drink. And his old man too.
Colleen,
Appreciate the encouragment. Having written is great, but writing is hard.
Dave,
Can't wait until March 17, 2016.
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