Remembering Kenny on his 37th Birthday

Today is my son's birthday. He would have been 37 years old.

It's one of those days where remembering him is both joyful and sad.

I have been thinking about the day he was born. How my contractions started in the early hours of October 10, 1980. 

I remember that we had to go by the place where your Dad worked to cash a check because we didn't have enough gas in our car to get to the hospital. 

I remember hitting every red light on the way there. 

I remember Sr. Mary Kay, our midwife and a Catholic nun, putting you in my arms and telling us we had son.

I remember counting your fingers and toes.

I remember the little boy who was always quick to smile and laugh.

I remember the moody teenager.

I remember the good and the bad times.

I know that you were working hard to put the bad behind you and looking to the future.

Happy Birthday, Kenny! I love and miss you every day.

Kenny's birthday celebration, c. 1987. Personal photograph of Dawn M. Kogutkiewicz