Dictionary.com defines “memorize” as “to commit to memory; learn by heart”.
I learned so many wonderful things by heart on this date in 1973, as my husband and I welcomed our baby son into the world. As my obstetrician got his first look and said, “It’s a boy!”, I answered with “His name is Joseph James.” I memorized that moment, learned it by heart, and my heart was forever changed.
Newborn Joseph, 15 minutes old. (And yes, those are my knees behind him as I took the picture)
As our firstborn, Joseph took his place in a family filled with grandmothers and great-grandmothers. He was my precious Grammy Buffington’s first great-grandchild, and she welcomed him with eager arms the day after his birth. When we first got home from the hospital, we were all pretty frazzled — all but the new Great-Grammy. She just sat down in the rocker with him for some good, quiet, cuddle time.
Great-Grammy Buffington with Joseph, on our first trip to Arroyo Grande.
Mom had a hard time with the idea of a half-Japanese grandchild at first, but Joseph quickly worked his magic on his Grammy Pender (and on everyone else).
Mom and Joseph started out rather awkwardly with each other, but not for long!
It took us a few weeks to get to Los Angeles to introduce Joseph to his Grandma Kawasaki, but it was love at first sight. I’m sorry they didn’t get to spend more time together as he was growing up.
Joseph met Grandma Kawasaki when we went south for her mother’s funeral. It was a bittersweet moment, I’m sure.
And now my precious baby boy is 42 years old…and my heart skips a beat when he answers my phone calls with, “Hi, Mom!” And with so much emotion, so many memories, I answer, “Hi, Son!”
Happy Birthday, Joseph James Kawasaki. Your mom loves you.
triggershorse 
Beautiful memories, Happy Birthday James!
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Thank you! – Fawn
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A memorable mother’s tribute to her son – lovely, Fawn. I hope Joseph James’ 42 birthday is as grand as his first 🙂
All I reMember about the birth of my first child was a doctor coming into the room and asking, “Do you mind if a few medical students observe?” to which between cramps I replied, “Sure, let’s have a party!”
am 🙂
Happy Thursday!
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Oh, my, AnnMarie — sounds like when Mom had me (a breech birth in a teaching hospital)! And the party continues… Happy Thursday to you! – Fawn
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And what a party it is!
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Happy birthday to James (and by extension, you, Fawn)! What a wonderful day for you, and such a nice tribute to your son. I’m very excited to soon meet my nephew’s new son, Flynn, when we go east this summer. Flynn is half-South Korean, half-American, and from the photos I’ve seen on FB, he’s absolutely adorable. Unfortunately, he’s been in and out of the hospital because he was born at 27 weeks and has had some issues. But he seems to be doing better now. Your post reminded me of him this morning; thank you.
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I hope your nephew’s little guy is getting stronger and stronger…he must have been very teeny. When I was pregnant with Joseph, mixed marriages were still pretty unusual so the mothers of our friends were a bit shy about us. One of the “older women” congratulated me and then said, “Mixed babies are always so pretty” and then was embarrassed for speaking out. I was thrilled. – Fawn
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Thank you, Fawn. Flynn is getting better. He was 1.5 pounds when he was born, and he spent much time in Bethesda, but was finally released a little over a week ago. Unfortunately, he ended up in the hospital again, but — now he’s home again. He’s the sweetest (literally) little thing. I’m not predisposed to holding newborns, but I may make a rare exception for him! 🙂 Mijung, his mom, is great — love her dearly. Love it that she always refers to me as “Auntie Debra/Deb.” 🙂
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You moved me to tears Fawn. So beautifully worded. And it’s lovely to see these pictures again.
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I have a pretty cute pic of you holding him, too, Melody – Love, Me
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Deb, I cannot imagine a 1.5 pound baby — Joseph was nearly 9 pounds — and I would be terrified that I would break him! When you do get to hold little Flynn, give him a tiny squeeze for me, please. – Fawn
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