53 years ago today, September 14, 1973, I was in hard labour, supported by my husband, Ian McLean, anxious to find out whether the child we’d created was a boy or girl. Back in ‘those’ days, ultrasounds were not routine unless there was a possible complication, so we wouldn’t know the gender of our child until he or she made an appearance.
Many painful and stressful hours later, our child made his appearance. David McLean was born, all 7 pounds, 6 ounces of him with a crop of red hair.
He brought us joy, challenges, and amazing experiences as he grew up. His Dad created the wanderlust he felt for the rest of his life. Both enjoyed travelling and exploring new places.
Later on, Dan Flanagan joined us as my second husband and David’s stepfather. Together they explored daily life while Dan taught him about cooking, hunting and fishing, among many other things.
David approached life with a strong joie de vivre, excited and curious about everything new that he discovered. He enriched the lives of all he touched.
My last celebration with him was his fiftieth birthday – an amazing milestone. He chose to take his own life a few weeks after that celebration. No one will ever know exactly why, but his death tore gaping holes in all of our lives – his family, friends and colleagues.
Happy what-should-have-been your 53rd birthday, son. You are , and will be, loved beyond measure as long as there’s breath in me.
Mom.
Capturing Cherished Memories 