He may have been born to another mother, but on the
3rd of October 1975, the son I was destined to have was born. Michael John Freeman came into this world weighing a whopping
3 lbs 14 oz and we couldn't bring him home until he weighed at least 5 lbs even. I remember so well the day he was born but let me take you back a few days and some hours.....
I got the call in Yuma, Arizona. Michael's Mom (San) and Dad (Johnny) were on their way home to Cheyenne, Wyoming from a visit with us and San went into premature labor..............the message was they were rushing her to Phoenix. I hauled butt there and with the help of the rest of the family during the week, we (me and Johnny) had a place to sleep (Grandpa's Winnebago). I stayed with Johnny simply for moral support. This was everybody's
FIRST baby.
St. Joseph's Hospital wouldn't let me see my sister so I just waited in the parking lot (we we're there about a week all said and done) or cruzed with JohnBoy (as we called him) until we got word. Johnny was needing to get back to work (He was an Airman) and was getting worried about leaving the San behind when low and behold, the next thing we know, someone is beating on the door (we were staying in a Winnebago remember? ) screaming that San is IN LABOR this time FOR SURE.
You would've thought they yelled FIRE!! We're running through the parking lot, leaping over parked cars, flying through the streets, stopping traffic in its tracks, so we could be there for the birth. Now back in those days, Dads couldn't go in and help so I and he stood by helplessly waiting for word.
THE BABY IS HERE! we hear someone screaming...Well what the hell is IT? they hear back, I've got people waiting!! (My only job in all this was to report back to Yuma to MY MOM).
Johnny and I turn to look through some windows with bassinets in it. Where, where is this baby we've been waiting so desperately for?? We can see two nurses... and FINALLY one baby... I can hear Johnny,
"What is it, what is it??" Next thing I know, Michael does some kinda flip and I see his peepee....me and Johhny slam into each other and yell,
IT'S A BOY! I don't know what Johnny did after that cuz.........I'm on a mission.
I immediately run to call Grandma, get her on the phone tell her its a boy and proceed to lose consciousness. I don't remember anything until I "Came to" in the bathroom that was fortunately right around the corner from the phone. Now with this information I want to remind you I was ONLY 19 at the time and just a bit hung over from too many beers earlier that evening.... (and as I recall, it was all Johnny's fault.)
FAST FORWARD... We got to bring Michael home late
October 1976 when he finally gained to 5 lbs. See the picture of me holding Michael on my chest as he sleeps, I didn't get to see him much after that cuz momma took him back to Cheyenne.
1976: Michael's first nap on Auntie Lynnell
FAST FORWARD... December 1977 I forget how this happened but San was in Yuma again when Meggie was born a year later. Those Christmas pics of Michael were taken just days before Meggon Lynn arrived.
Baby Michael at Christmas Time
Michael and Grandma
Auntie Lynnell is thrilled cuz she's got "little Family" now but alas.........they too must all go home to Cheyenne.
FAST FORWARD... June 1978 I get the call—Johnny is dead. Their father was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was on his way to the hospital where Michael was for reasons I don't remember. Here we go again.........I'm off to Cheyenne after I drive to Phoenix (Yuma, Arizona ain't very big, and air fare outta there was ridiculous BACK then...). My heart aches to think of these children without their Daddy. He was there only source of security. Their only chance to make it. Next thing I know, we're driving back in Johnny's Datsun B210 (for you oldsters out there), chuck full to the gills with San's stuff and two little babies. Michael is stuffed between the front seats in a car carrier and whomever is NOT driving, holds Meggie and their lap. We drive for 22 straight flippin hours, trying to get back to Yuma in time for the Johnny's Funeral in Brawley, California!!!! (My sister is
ALWAYS late -
ALWAYS). We make the funeral, the babies are passed from one relative to another, everyone is devastated. What will happen to them now??????
What do you mean I have to wear this shirt????
FAST FORWARD... The children are very much a part of my life. I am none other than Auntie B, Auntie of all Auntie's, saver of the world and the children in it. They loved me cuz I spoiled the shit outta them. We did Christmas together every time we could, and sleep overs???!!!! Then in comes Bianca
(June 1986) and now THEY have a cousin!!!!! The memories cover about two and a half to three years and then I leave Yuma, Arizona for El Paso, Texas.
FAST FORWARD... I buy my first house in
January, 1992, and I welcome Michael to come live with me.
February 1992 the boy has his own room, a new water bed AND a baby cousin to torture. I go to court to ensure Michael never has to leave. I was awarded guardianship by the summer of 1992. Ahhh, life is good. We go for sunset drives, watch movies, visit friends, have friends over, go for hikes and I watch my babies grow. We grow through skipping school, hair of numerous colors, a couple of fashion shows, cooking, landscaping, drivers training... (
NOT ME, GET YOUR FRIEND LISA....YOU SCARE ME! ), High School Graduation, his being my husbands best man at our wedding in
April 1995 to saying so long in
December 1996 when he looks to the Navy and we look to Germany.
I see Michael twice more in my life. Both times on trips "home" from Germany. The last time was the most memorable.
June 2004, I met up with Michael in Phoenix and we drove to Yuma to meet up with San and Meggon and surprise my mom with a visit. We do our visitin' and in a week Michael and me have to return to Phoenix and then fly our separate ways. OMG, we had a blast that last night in Phoenix.
Michael and his favortie Aunt Lynnell
He took his Aunt out for dinner at some trendy place and THEN to yet another trendy place for drinks where we talked and laughed and I remember like it was yesterday. That was the last time I was to see our Michael alive.
FAST FORWARD...July 2006 I couldn't believe my ears when my daughter called. I had just gotten home from the hospital the day before and was recouperating from back surgery. This could NOT be happening, I just talked to Michael, and we discussed this...
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, STROKE??!!Well the rest is history as you all know and I was heartsick I could not be there but Michael certainly helped out. I want to thank everyone who made it possible for me to "Attend" the memorial via cell phone. I want to thank all Michael's friends for surrounding him with love while he fought his last battle. Thanks for being there and helping me be with him too.
I miss that boy so damn much but am honored everytime I see the good this man has done. I am so sad that he was taken so early but so glad to have had the pleasure to know him and love him and be loved by him.
—Michael's Favorite Aunt Lynnell
