The first four-generation photo on my side of the family, with Pop Pop, me, and Babci and baby Elisabeth.
April 11, 2014 7:57 am
Once upon a time, a dad-to-be climbed into bed after another night of work and fell asleep to the world.
After five or so hours, the mom-to-be shook her husband’s shoulder.
Not used to opening his eyes this early in the day, the man may have grunted.
The woman said it was time.
The man jolted upright, wide-eyed and as ready to run out the door as a frenzied dad-to-be in a TV sit-com.
How long, he asked the woman.
Since you got home, she answered. She said she wanted the man to get some sleep on this big day.
This was her third time, she reminded, so she knew it was OK.
This is his first time. He is not so certain.
He drove the woman fast that half-dozen miles up the hill, down the hill, and to the hospital.
That was the woman’s home turf. The people helping her were friends. They asked if students could watch and learn and the woman easily agreed.
The man stood and watched, too, given the front and privileged position. He was amazed at how quickly everything unfolded in that room.
And then you came into our world, dear one.
“It’s a boy,” the doctor said.
“No, it’s a girl,” he corrected himself. I never did ask him if that was a joke or a misjudgment.
And what a beautiful girl you were. “She looks just like me,” I declared.
The next few days were a whirlwind of family and celebration.
I do remember being given a couple of hours alone time with you in an empty hospital room the second day of your life. I held you in my arms, appreciated the wonder of you, and explained what was going on during the Mets game on the TV on the wall. I made Dad promises and smiled a Dad smile. I do believe some tears rolled down my cheeks. That’s the way I am, you know.
The first four-generation photo on my side of the family, with Pop Pop, me, and Babci and baby Elisabeth.
You were the first grandchild born into my side of the family.
Look at the way your great-grandmother looked at you in the four-generation photo above!
Bigger girl, and the older generations were just as proud.
My side of the family was spread out while you grew up.
But Pop Pop and Babci were thrilled that you were the centerpiece of this four-generation photo above after you grew into a smart, happy and pretty school girl.
It was the last one. Pop Pop went first, Babci a few years later.
Please know again, they adored you.
Happy woman, you are.
And look at you now, Elisabeth.
Happy 24th birthday my intelligent, joyful and beautiful daughter.
I’m as proud as I was that first day of your life.
Posted by markbialczak
Categories: Life
Tags: Family, Family history, First born
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Elisabeth is a lucky girl! What a beautiful piece of writing to celebrate her special day! Great dad 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us, such a special and private part of your life – we are privileged to get a glimpse. 🙂
Miss Lou
x
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By Miss Lou on April 14, 2014 at 9:29 am
I was happy to write about that day when Elisabeth came into the world, Miss Lou. Too often it’s easy to keep things like this to yourself instead of telling your kid how much it means to you! Thanks for your sweet comment.
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By markbialczak on April 14, 2014 at 10:01 am
It’s a great share.. 🙂 I’m smiling, and you’re welcome 🙂
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By Miss Lou on April 14, 2014 at 10:04 am
Lovely, lovely post! Sweet tribute to your daughter, AND she looks a lot like you!!
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By Aussa Lorens on April 13, 2014 at 11:59 pm
The kid is alright, Aussa. Thank you for your kind words.
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By markbialczak on April 14, 2014 at 12:22 am
How beautiful Elisabeth is. Happy Birthday to her. A beautiful tribute, Mark.
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By earthriderjudyberman on April 13, 2014 at 10:28 pm
She grew up some since you and Dave left Syracuse. Thank you, Judy.
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By markbialczak on April 14, 2014 at 12:24 am
I teared up. So sweet, truly a wonderful post. Happy Birthday to your daughter!
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By andthreetogo on April 12, 2014 at 9:58 pm
Thank you for your kind words, andthreetogo.
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By markbialczak on April 12, 2014 at 10:30 pm
Happy birthday Mark and his dear wife’s beautiful baby girl!!! 🙂
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By Chatter Master on April 11, 2014 at 7:14 pm
Thank you, Colleen, from me and the baby girl who is a marvelous young adult, and her mother, too, I
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 8:10 pm
🙂 You’re very welcome proud papa and mama.
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By Chatter Master on April 12, 2014 at 5:50 pm
I was humming the song, “On the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true.. ” Hope Elisabeth had a wonderful #24 and the whole year is filled with exciting and special moments! What a lovely way to celebrate, proud Dad, Mark!
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By reocochran on April 11, 2014 at 5:47 pm
The Carpenters’ ‘Close to You’ is quite a good song to be humming for this one, Robin. Thank you!
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 8:12 pm
If most of the daughters in this world had dads like you, it would be a much better world.
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By kerbey on April 11, 2014 at 4:07 pm
Wonderful dedication, Mark. Happy birthday to the fellow Oneonta alum!
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By Christopher S. Malone on April 11, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Thank you, Chris.
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 3:32 pm
She is a very blessed to girl to have a dad like you – I’m sure she knows that already.
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By lundygirl on April 11, 2014 at 3:00 pm
Thank you for such kind praise, Rachel. Elisabeth gave me her text message approval of this piece, so, all is good!
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 3:03 pm
What a great tribute to your daughter, Babci, and Pop Pop!
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By Emilio Pasquale on April 11, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Thank you, Emilio. I appreciate your kind words, and so would have Babci and Pop Pop, too.
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 1:42 pm
Beautiful tribute, Mark … I bet Elisabeth will have a great birthday!
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By Jim McKeever on April 11, 2014 at 11:21 am
Her dad hopes so, Jim. Thank you.
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 11:21 am
oh mark, this is such an incredibly beautiful and loving post. i loved every word and picture and happiest of birthdays to your lovely daughter )
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By ksbeth on April 11, 2014 at 9:08 am
Thank you, Beth. In the ups and downs of life, she is a constant up!
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 9:41 am
how wonderful for all of you )
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By ksbeth on April 11, 2014 at 10:32 am
I’m not gonna cry…I’m not gonna cry….
Great!
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By treyzguy on April 11, 2014 at 8:43 am
Thank you, Trey. You can borrow a tissue. To blow your nose, of course. Hey, I’ve read about your love for yours, too.
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 9:42 am
You can’t prove nuthin’
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By treyzguy on April 11, 2014 at 9:48 am
What a sweet tribute to your beautiful daughter. She looks and sounds like a lovable young lady!
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By Sandra on April 11, 2014 at 8:43 am
She has a great spirit, Sandra. I am a happy and lucky father.
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 9:43 am
Beeoootiful, Mark. Thank you.
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By Ann Koplow on April 11, 2014 at 8:35 am
Thank you, Ann. The few years until your son Aaron is a smiling adult like Elisabeth is in the last picture will go-by-like-that!
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 9:45 am
I’m trying to savor every moment, Mark.
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By Ann Koplow on April 11, 2014 at 9:50 am
How wonderful. 🙂
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By merbear74 on April 11, 2014 at 8:19 am
Thanks, Mer. The years fly by.
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 8:21 am
Yeah, my darling daughter Brooke will be a senior this fall.
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By merbear74 on April 11, 2014 at 8:22 am
See!
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By markbialczak on April 11, 2014 at 8:23 am
Indeed I do, Mark.
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By merbear74 on April 11, 2014 at 8:24 am