Spring is in the air. Birds are chirping, robins flitter around, and green sprouts prick through the earth with the promise of new life. Yet, it is only the last week in February.
I remember a similar time of year 28 years ago – February 27th to be exact. The weather was just like today, and I saw my first robin of spring picking at the ground outside the hospital door as I arrived to deliver my baby. The new life would be Megan Marie Margaret Morton.
Megan was born with a spring in her step and danced to the beat of a different drum. She was an unusual child with a wild imagination which included her imaginary friend Jenny. Creative, artistic, easy-going and playful would be words to describe her – a happy little girl with a big grin. Megan loved to dance, performing in her first recital at the age of 3 to the song “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini.” The recital was held at the War Memorial Building in Trenton, New Jersey, which was a huge venue. And there was my little Megan dancing barefoot on the big stage sporting a yellow polka dot bikini…and red toenail polish. She smiled broadly during the performance and shook her lace-ruffled derriere in the finale. She was a natural on stage, and I was sure she was destined for Broadway!
Megan grew up fast and went through all of her life stages with a lot of theatrics. Her teen years were challenging, and yet she finished out high school with flying colors as a soccer player, cheer leader and half-time dancer. She went on to college, and her graduation day found me aching with pride for the woman she had become.
Being with Megan for her 28th birthday celebration this year will include bridal dress shopping. Soon she will take on a new role as wife to her wonderful Matt and the next chapter of her life will begin. Maybe someday they will have a tiny dancer of their own.
Megan has been a joy of a daughter and has made me so proud to be her mother. I most admire her fearlessness in taking on new adventures in life, and her no-nonsense directness in telling it like it is. She is honest and trustworthy and never gives up – no matter what. She is a breath of fresh spring air in the midst of winter…with red toenail polish.
I love you, Meggie Marie. Happy Birthday!
susezit 