This is a poem written on one of those rare occasions that only come once in a lifetime. My son's 25th Birthday, which was the same age I was when I gave birth to him. He has been my miracle baby boy right from the beginning and continues to be a blessing to me to this very day and always. He is a wonderful son, person, and man, whom the doctor's told me would die the day he was born at 3 lbs. 8 oz. Wrong! God was right again!

100 Lines For Ritchey's 25th Birthday


Reflecting back, so long ago now it seems,
When Life was young, and full of dreams,
Of all the successes yet to be realized,
One came true when I looked in your eyes.

Yes, today is special, one day out of many,
That comes only once, and is spent like a penny.
With no relishing of moments, so special then,
That are not brought to fullness with the stroke of my pen.

This is the day of your birth, as we know.
But even more special are the years we’ve seen come and go.
Because today is the day that causes a Mom,
to stop, think, and linger,
On pauses of life, come and gone, you can’t count on your fingers.

Today, more than any, reflections are clear,
Of a day twenty-five years ago, I still hold so dear.
With more pain and discomfort than suffered by many,
I’d do it all again, for these memories after, so plenty.

The day we’re celebrating, so wonderfully now,
I remember so clearly, even though I felt like a cow.
Like ripe corn, and carrots and veggies sprouting plenty,
The seed planted in dirt, springs forth healthy, and pleasing many.

A son, that so special to me, I hold so dearly.
That little one, that had to run, and claim life so clearly!
In spite of all odds, and advice of the educated,
You lived, and you thrived, as your Mom meditated.



I was twenty-five years, of age myself,
As I brought forth new life in my son, like I’d picked him off the shelf.
Yes, you were ordered, and picked, so selected,
As special, “the one”, although somewhat not expected.

When early you came, full of life and of might,
So little were you, as you started to fight!
For life that was good, of purpose, and flair,
For you, I prayed, and for you, day and night, I did care.

Yes, I was Twenty-Five, and now it is you,
Who so, oh very special, is Twenty-Five too!
As our lives wander, and climb, to heights and new strides;
My pride and love for my son, is hard to try and hide.

You see, all children are “special”,
Each one in their own way.
But a son like you is even more special,
At least, on this day.

Because as many more birthdays will come,
And quickly pass,
This one will remain “special”, and fragile,
Like fine crystal glass.

You, me, and your sister, will have this day only once,
For once in a lifetime, our ages will match.
Somewhat like special, fluffy white clouds in the skies;
Like you at this moment, I had Twenty-Five years,
Behind me, and conquered, and looking ahead;
To moments like these, that were just in my head.




When I would, with a heart, filled with pride,
Look into your eyes, and say, “I’m glad, that I tried!”
To make one so different, so special to some;
Yes, “That’s my boy, that’s my Ritchey, my son!”


But they’ve all been truly worth it, for a son just like you.
Now let’s all take this day with us, in memory forever;
As a day in my life and yours, that will ever endeavor,
To prove it can be better, if you’re in for the long run.
For none can compare with a Mom’s love for her son.

I’m proud to have had you, and raised you with pride.
So one day, perhaps, you’ll come up to me in your stride.
And say, “It’s all been worth it…life’s ups, and its downs.
To have gone the full measure, and not having drowned.”

For someday, I’m sure, like me, you will say…
With pride in your heart, and a tremble in your voice,
To your own special son, in your own special way,
“Happy Birthday, dear son, this is OUR SPECIAL DAY!”




Lovingly, your Mom