Thoughts about Brendan on His Birthday Today

Since even before Brendan was born, he has caused me much worry. In utero, doctors diagnosed a kidney disorder. When he was three, Brendan was hospitalized for asthma in the ICU. When B was four years old, he had surgery on his kidney. (He also developed a fixation on death at this time! Scary!) When he was five, Brendan completely flubbed his kindergarten screening, making me question my decision to send him. And yesterday, he swallows a marble!

Yet for all this worry, Brendan has given my life so much fun and laughter. I can't believe that 7 years ago today he was brought into my life. In some ways I am startled that he is seven already! However, in most ways I can't remember my life without my Brendan. Here are some of my thoughts about Brendan over the years that illustrate how uniquely "Brendan" he is.

As a baby, Brendan always demonstrated a strong potential to be a bass singer. He had, and still has, a fairly deep and sonorous voice for a young kid. Watching old home movies makes me laugh as I listen to how deep his voice sounded even as a baby.

When Brendan went to preschool at age three, his teacher's name was Mrs. Domachowski. I remember him leaving preschool everyday, and we would get to the outside door, and he would realize he didn't say bye to her. He would raise his hand in a wave without looking back, and he would yell, "Bye Domachowski!" It made both her and I smile!

Brendan has such a silly side. He loves being the center of attention -- when he is in the right mood to be. Having fun for him is just a way of life. I remember one time we had the whole family over to our home for a dinner. Someone was talking about Grandma Dilley, and Brendan, who was about three, said, "She's still alive?!" We laughed and told him she was in the next room. He walked out there and looked at her in disbelief!

Brendan is quite a golfer. He just had a lesson last week, and the instructor was commenting on his natural ability to swing a club! Actually, Brendan loves all types of sports: basketball, golf, soccer, football, baseball, and anything else that resembles a sport.

Brendan has enriched our family with his optimism and silliness. He has a tender heart that I will do my best to protect until that is out of my control. I love his lingering desire to be with mom. I know that at some point he won't need to cuddle with his mother, but I cherish the moments that we do still share together. I love him with my whole heart. Brendan would respond with a sheepish grin if I told him that, and that response would be simply Brendan.