Martin Richard  Kane

Marty - 6 weeks

There's something special about your first born.  There's a little corner of your heart where they always reside.  It's the child you learn to parent with.  The one you make all your mistakes on, the one you give all the responsibility to.  It's a tough job, but somebody has to do it.  I wish I could take it all back and do this one over again.  He deserves it.  I was only 19 when I had Marty.  And I, being an only child, had never been near a baby before.  Poor Marty.

Marty was born on April 6, 1965, 10 months after we were married.  I couldn't wait to have a child.  Up til now we only had a dachshund, Puddles, who was our baby.  But having Marty changed it all for us.  He was a very good baby.  Not fussy at all.  But being a first time  mother, I did everything with Dr. Spock's book in one hand.   Of course, Marty wasn't one to do things by the book.  He walked at 9 months and  has kept his father and I on our toes ever since.

Mart & Me at Phila. Zoo - 1966

Daddy's Little Ball Player

The Big One

Marty and Puddles

Marty was always involved with animals.  Besides the usual dog and cat, we had hamsters, frogs, snakes, goats, chickens, ducks, a guinea hen, rabbits, a raccoon and turtles for pets.  From sixth grade through high school, Marty worked for Doc Riser, a local veterinarian, milking her herd of goats.  Doc paid him by giving him his own goat and boarding her for nothing.  When she had kids and produced milk, the milk paid her board so Marty then earned a salary.  Mart loved going to Docs and sometimes assisted her in surgery.

Marty was a member of our local 4-H club.  He had his own mini farm with 12 chickens and 12 ducks. 

Mart at Doc Riser's Barn

Mart's First Baby Goat

Mart and His Favorite Rooster

He even hatched a baby turtle when he was in the 6th grade, and had a write up and picture in the Daily Times for it.  "He Tells the Sex by the Color of their Eyes" was the headline.

In his teenage years, Marty learned to hunt and fish.  He is still an avid hunter and fisherman.

Mush loved Hunting Season

In  ninth grade,  Marty was accused of plagiarism by his English teacher.  He was an excellent writer.    I went to bat for him because I sat and watched him write the story he handed in.  I hope someday he will be published.  I know it's a dream of his.  I have several of his stories that I treasure.  One year for Mother's Day he wrote a poem for me.

Mothers

Mothers are
mind changers, make-up wearers,
gossip spreaders, jewelry bearers,
over protective nagging things,
and every time the telephone rings,
asking questions  and other things.
Always going,  on the run,
and never getting anything done.
All of this a mother is.
S'enough to make your brain cells fizz.
But all in all they're not so bad,
even if they drive us mad.

Marty Kane
5-6-80

Watch out, Hallmark!

Mart's Pride and Joy 55 Chevy

In 1989, Marty married Madeline.  I hired Madeline to work in my store and that is where they met.  I couldn't have picked someone nicer for Marty.   (They hate when I say that!)  Madeline is a very good wife and mother.  They seem made for each other. 

(I knew that!)

Marty and Madeline - 1989

Mart is a wonderful father, being involved in RJ's sporting events, and helping RJ to train Brandy, his dog.  He is a hands on father who is very involved in the daily goings on of his son. 

Marty The Kane's at Home

Last year he took his family on a trip to Maryland to fish for stingrays with a bow and arrow.  He and RJ caught a 42lb. stingray.    You never know what they have in store next.  It's always something exciting and different.

RJ  and His Stingray

Marty continues his interest in animals and is now training Labrador Retrievers for Field Hunting.

Mart and Briar Patch

Dick and I are very proud of the man Mart has become.  He is a caring and loving husband, father brother and son.  He has always been someone with his head screwed on right.  He always knew where he was going and plans his way to get there.  Madeline is a good companion and partner for him.  I predict that they will live happily ever after.  What more could a mother want for her child.

WE LOVE YOU, MART.