And then in a moment recalling Danckik's birth he said, "When Danchik was born and your mother first laid eyes on him, the first thing she said was, "from where did such a beautiful child come?'. And I said, from God's heart to yours....I hope they're waiting for me."
That did me in; I couldn't keep my tears in. I stepped out into the hallway, I didn't want him to see, and I cried my heart out. What a cruel, cruel April Fool's Day joke that was, was the only thing I could think of. My sons often ask me how come I have no brothers or sisters who could be their uncles and aunts. More presents during the holidays, and birthdays. I understood. Luckily, at least they have two aunts, my wife's younger sisters. Perhaps, some day, I'll tell them about Danchik, who was born on April Fool's Day and died ten days later. The brother whose name I also carry as mine as do they in their middle name.
Or, would it still matter to them. I wondered.
***
Note: Bohdan...(in Ukrainian, this name translates as: "God-Given".) - nickname: Danchik
This is based on some actual events: dates, name, Nazi nurse, etc., and what my mother said when he was born....bombs did not blow up the compound though. Karma is not fair.
[Bohdan Yuri is an Ukrainian-American and the author of "Ukraina: Sons and Daughters" (short stories) and "The Letters".]
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