Jack,
I believe we’ve talked in the past about career stories.

I was delighted to read the story about your birth certificate, partly because I had a similar experience finding mine.
And you gave words to my thoughts and feelings.

In 1990 when my parents moved out of our family home into a retirement community, I discovered the family memorabilia.
You’re right. Your description of the first scribbled words and grade-school report cards is perfect.
(“Bill can’t sit still” from Grade 6 is still true today.)

I found a yellowed Western Union telegram just like yours—same typefaces. (I was born in September, 1944.)
Similar message: “Mother and son doing fine.” It communicated that someone was glad I had arrived—and that felt good, to know I was wanted.

I agree with you. Piles of papers clutter my desk, but that telegram cannot be replaced.
Thanks for sharing your personal story. It’s food for the soul.
:B