MADDIE

Madison called me last week and asked why I gave her the middle name, Channing. I told her she was lucky Channing wasn't her first name - but I like the name Madison better.

Madison was my last chance to have a son. As usual, I was sure she'd be a boy because "this pregnancy was so much different than the others - he has to be a boy". But surprise surprise, welcome to the world, Madison.

Madison, You were also induced because like Tishie, you were two weeks late. It always surprised me how different each of you looked as newborns. Even if you had been triplets, I wouldn't have had any trouble telling the difference between the three of you. You, as the other two, were such a beautiful newborn. You were lighter than Shalyse or Tisha. Your fingers were so long and purple as a newborn. And you were an easy delivery. I was ready to take you home that night but the rules for a hospital short-stay was for at least 12 hours after delivery.

Eventually you became a toddler and instantly caught up to Tisha's vocabulary. When you were about three, you'd love to imitate being a puppy. You'd walked around people and "sniff, sniff, pant, pant, pant" and then "sniff, sniff, pant, pant, pant". It was really funny.

I've kinda lost some of the significant things that were happening to you around 3-6 years old. I had just finished college and was working two jobs. It wasn't until later when we were in the condo that you reappear into my memory bank.

You've always loved basketball. When you were about 7 years old, I came home from work one afternoon and you told me that you'd been late from coming home from school 'cause you stayed to play basketball with some friends. You've always been a storyteller and you always seem to flavor it up a bit. You had told me play by play about this practice game you'd had, and describing all the other players (classmates), Portia, Montgomery, Rocco, Bernice, and Bingo. I was really excited for you because I felt like you were making friends and practicing up your basketball skills. I asked if Tisha stayed with you and you said no. So I became concerned that you were on the school grounds after school without either of your sisters waiting there for you. So I asked Shalyse why neither she nor Tish had waited for you. But Shalyse didn't know what I was talking about because (my memory is bad) she and/or Tish had walked home from school with you. I didn't give it another thought until later in the week when I noticed the box of Get-Along Gang books on the floor in your bedroom. As I was putting them away, I glanced at the words and noticed a story with Portia (Porcupine), Montgomery (Moose), Rocco (Rabbit), Bernice (Bear), and Bingo (Beaver). Of course, I didn't make the connection when you were telling your basketball story but then ding ding ding ding ding....you never even fessed up. What the heck?! You're such a story teller.

Another time, I ran into one of your condo friend's mother. I can't recall her name. She lived in AppleGate but on another street. Your friend had a little sister. Anyways, her mother started talking to me in the grocery store and telling me that she's just started a second job too and how hard it was financially supporting children in a one-parent household. She then asked me how I could get up so early for my primary job after working such late shifts. I told her, I usually got home by 11pm on a weeknight so it wasn't too difficult to wake up the next morning. She then asked me how I could possibly get very good tips because she always thought the peak hours in a strip club were late in the evening. I said to her, "what did you say?". And she repeated her question. I busted up laughing. "Are you kidding me?" She said, "No, Madison said you were a stripper." That little shit!!!!...was my thought. Geez you little rascal.

Another time, we stopped in a parking lot of a mall. And you saw this guy about in his 30s. You pointed to him and said "That guy is fine, Mom - don't you think?" I looked at you and laughed. "Yeah, he's fine but don't you think you're a little young for him?". Then you responded, "No, Mom, 'fine' for you.". I think you've always thought you should be my matchmaker.

Remember when you were about 10 years old, you'd beg me to braid your hair. I didn't mind braiding your hair but 50 braids twice a week was exhausting. I'm not sure if you were trying to look like Beau Derek or Jada Pickett.

Dennis Rodmann. You loved you some Dennis. And of course, he was on your favorite NBA basketball team, the Lakers. How did that happen? I can't remember how at that early an age you became a fan. You'll have to remind me sometime.

I think some of my funnest memories of you were during your basketball games/practices. I remember the numerous hours you spent in the front yard perfecting your free throws and 3- pointers. Those last few years you played basketball in high school, I remember looking forward to you getting home from an away game so you could tell me all about the bus rides to and from the games, the game itself, and the gossip about the players, coaches, and any other topic/experience at the game. You're such a clown. I love and miss those nights.

I'm posting this a week after your birthday. Sorry. It's been so enjoyable having you in my life for the past 22 years. I can't even believe that my baby is an adult now. I know you've always talked about being a cop and you've recently talked about fire-fighting or the air force. Know that whatever you decide you want to do with your future, I support you. That doesn't mean that I won't be fearful in your choices but I will support you.

I have a few friends I talked to this weekend - a Firefighter and a US Army Reserves soldier. I feel a little better after hearing the opportunities available in both fields. Each of them would like to speak to you more. I'll give you the info. No matter what you decide, I know that you will be great. You've grown to be a responsible employee and hard worker. I'm very proud of you.

Awchiwawa! Madison, you've survived Yvette. But you're stuck with Me 4-ever!!!

I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!! Happy Belated Birthday.