My Birthday Gift to You

Dear Lucia,

Today is my birthday. Your mother's birthday was two days before. I will forever be able to tease your mother about being older than me. In fact, this will be an old family joke by the time you read this, one in which you will undoubtedly roll your eyes over.

Every year when my birthday rolls around, I look back at my year and even my life in order to take stock of all that I've done (or not done). Some years have been better than others. (22 was disastrous. 30 was pretty great.) Of course, this year was all about waiting for you and getting to know you over the past five months. Because of your arrival, I have paid special attention to the legacy I'm leaving for you.

One of my Facebook friends (I'll explain Facebook another time.), a former camper I worked with at a summer camp, told me how much she wanted her dad to share the kinds of things I share with you on this blog. She had several kind words for me and this blog, making me feel as though this was a worthwhile project, that you will appreciate the knowledge and stories I share here once you grow up. I hope she's right, but it's OK if you don't like the blog.

Either way, I want you to know that as I look back over my 34th year on this planet, I have one crowning achievement: you. You have enriched my and your mother's lives more than you will ever know. You can read this in the blog, but hopefully I will show you how much I love you every day. If you ever want to know the story of your birth, which Pavement album you should start with, or what to do with a broken heart, you can read this blog...or you can just ask me. That's my gift to you on my birthday, Lucia.

Love,

Dad

They Say It's Your Birth Day

Dear Lucia,

You were born four days ago, September 11th. That date won't mean much to you as you grow older each year, but it was a significant day in our country's history. Although the date has brought so much joy to your mother and me, it is remembered by so many others for a terrible tragedy.

On September 11, 2001, a group of men coordinated a series of suicide plane crashes on various symbols of American capitalism, democracy, and military power. Two of the planes were crashed into two towers that were part of the World Trade Center in New York City. A third plane was crashed into the Pentagon, the US military headquarters. A fourth plane was supposed to crash into the White House, but the passengers inside were able to force it down into an empty field in Pennsylvania.

Nearly 3000 innocent people died that day. The American public was fearful, then outraged. Eventually, our leaders would use the day's events to propel us into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Wars that are still being fought as you live your first few days.

Although I feel very, very sad for all those people who were lost on that day (and those lost in the resulting wars), I was so happy that you arrived just this past September 11th. Your mom labored for over 31 hours just to see your face and to hear your voice. This September 11th made me forget all that suffering.

Now, 9/11 (as people like to call it) means so much more to me. September 11th is the day I received you. And for that I am eternally thankful. From now on, this day that caused so many so much pain will have a meaning of love and life for me. You are the reason for that change, Lucia.

Love,

Dad