Margaret's godfather, Max Hirsch
The Belmont Stakes is the final and most demanding leg of the Triple Crown. The race is named for August Belmont, a leading banker and racing man of the 19th century. On Saturday, June 5th, 2010, will be the 143rd running of those stakes, and the 56th time our family has raised a glass in honor of the 1954 winner of those stakes who, in turn, gave my sister her name.
This is a tale I’ve told on public radio, and here, once before. Have a look, and raise a glass to Margaret High Gun Roach, whose birthday will be celebrated in this unique way.
And while you are having that look, have a look, too, at how the memoir is told. For this is memoir in the form of a personal essay, though this in one essay I did not include in my new book. The writing of this essay involved using the calendar to my advantage, something I’ve talked about here before, as well as on Beliefnet, where I have put up an interactive calendar for your use.
So read the piece and think up your own version of something that is happening to you in the merry month of June.
And write on.
No related posts.
First time here? Here's the idea: 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved being reminded of this story; the original post is one of my favorites. I especially loved Rona Maynard’s astute reminder (in her comment) that the way we articulate the stories (turned myths in the telling) of our births says a lot about who we are. I, for example, was born at dinner time, depriving my mother (and presumably me) of our evening meal. I’ve been trying to make it up to myself ever since. Kudos on another wonderful foray into helping us tell our own tales.
Loved the story of your sister’s naming after a horse! Your Dad and Max Hirsch came alive in this story.
Hello, Miriam, and welcome back to TSP, where we love our sister and horse tales. Thanks so much for the kind words. I, too, love this story. Please come back soon for more.