This is the fourth year that I’ve celebrated my son’s birthday on The Median Sib. 2005, 2006, 2007 and now 2008. This year is a little different, though, because this year my baby - my youngest child - is thirty.

Thirty years ago today, I woke up early and realized that labor was starting. RT and I called my sister, Joan, to come get our daughter, Larisa, so we could go to the hospital. Back then, people didn’t know the sex of the baby before it was born. So we were anxious not only for the birth of the baby but to finally find out if we had a son or another daughter. We would have been thrilled to have another girl, but I believe we both wanted a boy so we’d have one of each gender.

Up until a couple weeks earlier we had planned on naming a boy Paul Benjamin. Then, however, we came up with the name Joseph Thomas - and we couldn’t decide which name to use. So in the hospital, after our son was born, we had to make the decision: Would he be Paul or would he be Joseph. We decided on Joseph Thomas, and it fit him perfectly. He is our Joey - a light in our lives that brings joy to every day.

Thirty years! Last night we celebrated his birthday at his party - given by his beautiful wife, Meleah, at their home. Some of his childhood friends were there - with their respective spouses. Some already have their own children. Meleah’s parents were there. As a parent, it is supremely rewarding to see one’s child as a wonderfully caring and responsible adult.

Happy birthday, Joey. I love you immensely.

I listened to a conversation today.  It was between two fellow teachers - both of whom belong to a Church of Christ.  Wonderful, active, educated and vibrant women who have been working fulltime for many years - earning a paycheck that goes directly to their families:

First teacher:  “Ken gave me $150 to spend on the twins’ Christmas gifts.”

Second teacher nodded - no incredulity or shock - just a “that’s-how-it-is” nod. 

The conversation continued as they chatted about Christmas shopping.  I was still in shock.  Ken is her husband.  The twins are their children.  She works full time and earns a paycheck, and her husband “gave” her the money to buy their children Christmas gifts.  Amazing.