June 18, 1982

I went into labor with Michael in the wee hours of the morning of what was scheduled to be my last day at work.  Although, I was a great Lamaze student it was my first child so when my water broke about 5AM, I thought the baby was pressing on my bladder and for the first time in my life, I had peed myself.  It only took the next few minutes for laboring contractions to begin…there was no mistaking that this child was ready to begin the life he was destined to lead.  I gave birth to Jennings Michael David Rosner around 9pm on June 18, 1982.

Mike was named after David’s (Mike’s father) best friends.  Jennings - Jennings Bryant Doles lived with David and I for a couple of years in Monterey, California.  Michael - Michael Lormand the most beautiful spirited, dear, dear friend we’ve known from well before children (BC), David – obvious right? wrong.  David - David Andrea was David’s best friend before and after I met him in high school. We married, moved to the west coast, then to Europe for a couple of years, then back to the states. Eventually as life requires, we grew up.  David and his wife had a daughter, we had a son.  Eight pounds 15 1/2 ounces 21 inches long.  Eighteen hours of labor, two hours of pushing – no medication thank you very much!  A child of the earth, a product of the hippie generation, it was natural child birth for me.  Did you expect anything different?

Michael’s life began the Friday before Father’s Day.  A beautiful baby boy with a full head of hair, two arms, two legs, ten fingers and ten toes. The first born would have the perfect brother sixteen months later and within six years, a petite little sister who would complete the circle of child bearing for me.   I love and am proud to be Michael’s, Nathan’s and Emily’s mother together and separately. There are many roles I play and fill but there is no role I fit better, there is nothing more rewarding.

 On October 21, 2007 our hearts were ripped from our chests when we received the call every parent fears “there’s been an accident…”.  I remember how difficult it was to try to find some sense of normalcy to celebrate Nathan’s birthday only four days later but somehow we did.  I remember writing on the blog ”we did what we do…we celebrated Nathan’s birth and celebrated that the brother he loves so much was still with us…” And then Emily’s prom, Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas, then bringing in the New Year and four days in to the new year; bringing Michael home.  It has been a journey…

In April Amanda E posted on the blog: “The Lord has been with you Mike, and will be with you every step of the way! He gives you the strength and you have given him the glory!!” I say, Amen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jennings Michael David Rosner born late evening in Manassas VA on June 18 1982.  I thank God that the journey continues…you are the wind beneath my wings.

xxoo

LIVESTRONG

p.s.  “there’s a full moon on my birthday”