From Mamamia

Dear Benicio,

The “boy” experience was a new one for me, as your mommy, and Tiita Dimara were my only babies, and baby girls are far different from baby boys … and not just when it comes to changing diapers. You are more active, more daring, more monkey-like than any of my girls. Stories from your mommy about the bruises and bangs and head-bonks you’ve endured while jumping off furniture, racing your cars around the house, playing chase with Daddy made my heart swell in a different way: with panic and fear for your safety and well-being. But also with pride that your mommy, as protected as she was by me, had learned through you how to let go and let you be who you are, what you are: all boy.

My great and goofy — and downright gorgeous! — grandson BENICIO,  you were my first. You were the one to make me a GRANDMA, to teach me that although my heart can break into a million pieces upon leaving you, it will grow back bigger and stronger each and every time I think of you, see you, hug you, hold you, hear you.

I am better because of you. I became“MAMAMIA” OR "MAMAI" because of you. And for that, my sweet BENICIO, you will always and forever be a most special part of this MAMAMIA.

I've loved your rough and tumble all-boy antics. Such pleasure comes from watching you run through the house, giggle your way down slides, chase after balls and balloons and bubbles, tussle with WINDY, build tower trucks, race fire trucks, wholeheartedly adore garbage trucks, and furiously peddle your bike while calling for me to start the race and chase you around the house.

Part of what makes such things doubly delightful is the flip-side of those times. The sweet blown kisses and “squeezes” and “cheeses.” The moments snuggled together sharing books. The steadfast attention given to coloring, drawing, gluing, Play, creating. The singing, dancing, smiling, sharing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR AND LOVE BENICIO!

I love you!

MAMAMIA