January 4, 2025
Dearest Tammy,
I was a freshman in college at California State College, now called Pennsylvania Western University, California, in 1965 when I first heard the exciting news! I had a baby sister! I remember that day as if it were a minute ago. To quote the Irish novelist, John Banville, “The past beats inside me like a second heart.” (Just a few fun facts about my friend, John. He grew up in Wexford, Ireland and was born on 12/8/45.)
I was living in the Green Street dorm on the second floor. This was before the existence of cell phones, so when we got a phone call or wanted to make one, we had to go down to the lobby. Nothing like having to make or receive calls while any number of dorm residents and their guests might be lounging there on couches and chairs. The phone was mounted on the wall right outside of the resident hall director’s (warden’s) office. On a side note, there was also a campus wide curfew of 10:00 PM. A piercing whistle would sound all over campus to warn students to go home!
Dad’s call for me came on January 4, 1965. I was crying ecstatic tears and telling everyone within hearing distance that I had a baby sister, named Tammy. It turns out that you were the first baby of the New Year in our not very populated community or even surrounding towns. Either lack of population or love-making nine months earlier resulted in Mom and Dad winning prizes for a year. I think they should have set aside some prizes for you also, possibly on your 21st birthday or __th birthday today!
I remember being home for Christmas break with the brothers three and parents two. We were all anxiously awaiting your birth, but none more than Mom. She was very uncomfortable, but never complained. She just tried to keep busy and worked a lot of jigsaw puzzles or played solitaire, in addition to cooking for all of us.
Tammy, I never told you this because I feel guilty that you weren’t named Tamara, a name you would have preferred in your professional life (Tammy Warholic Comino). I suggested the name Tammy because I loved the song called Tammy. It’s from the 1957 movie Tammy and the Bachelor and sung by Debbie Reynolds. In my defense, it was only a suggestion. Mom and Dad must have loved it also.
From your birthday X number of years ago, I have treasured every moment spent with you. I have really enjoyed our recent adventures together. I’m looking forward to many more, starting with our trip to California soon to see our brothers. You are the best sister ever and I wish you the happiest of birthdays today and every year to come.
Love Forever & Beyond,
Sandy
is the creator and author of The Sandra Seeley Columns. She is a lifelong educator whose teaching experience ranges from suburban Bethel Park, PA to Hawaii to urban Pittsburgh Public's Homewood, Hill District and Squirrel Hill communities. She has taught in every grade level from Kindergarten through Grade 5. She has a Master's Degree in Education from The University of Pittsburgh with a minor in English. Her passion has always been the teaching of Communications: Reading and Writer's Workshop. She is now a freelance writer. To contact the author, click the following link.
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