Happy birthday mom... Same for you!
We will begin our story about 23 years ago, in June of 1984 when my mom received confirmation that she was going to be a mother for the third time.
From that first consultation, the doctor indicated that my probable birthdate would be January 19th. My mom couldn’t believe the coincidence because that would be her birthday. However, she kept the secret and didn’t tell the doctor during her 9-month pregnancy.
My sisters and I were born through a cesarean section, so at her last appointment, the doctor confirmed and said, “Come on the 19th, and we’ll operate.”
So we arrived on the appointed day, January 19th, 1985, it was a Saturday, my mom got ready and put on a yellow dress to go to the hospital.
But upon arrival, she found out that her obstetrician had been called for an emergency and wouldn’t be at the hospital that day. Then the on-call doctor examined her and said, “Doña Dinora, you’re doing very well, and today we’re only operating emergencies. Come on Monday, and we’ll operate.”
My mom, who was already excited about the birth, said, “Oh no, Doctor, today is my birthday, and I want you to give me my little present!”
The doctor, a little incredulous, went to the file and confirmed that it was her birthday. He decided to operate and give her the great gift of a new baby.
This is the story that accompanies me on every birthday. Every year, I have the joy of hearing my mom telling it to me, adding small details that I still don’t know. Every year, no matter where I am or what I have to do that day, it’s a day to celebrate with her. And she promises me every year that we will always be together, whether in heaven or on Earth. Every year, we receive my dad’s flowers and double congratulations together.
Every year, on this date, my house is filled with joy, kisses, and hugs. And it will always be like this because no one can ever take away the best gift we can give ourselves: the happy moments we’ve lived thanks to our shared birthday.
This is how my mom’s illusion of celebrating her birthday next to a daughter, of sharing the joy of that day together, and being able to tell each other Happy Birthday each year becomes a reality.