We've had bad luck with our kids — they've all grown up.
Christopher Morley
Thirty years ago this Sunday, I was terrified. Not only did the natural childbirth labor I thought such a wise choice loom before me, I had to raise a kid once I got it out. I knew nothing about that. I didn't even like kids.
Half of my fears dissipated shortly after those 64 stitches earned while ending that labor began to heal. Since I'm still here apparently raising that kid didn't do me in either. Tested me a few thousand times, but as that kid, that boy his dad and I named Jacob, celebrates his 30th birthday, I celebrate him with this brief chronicle.
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| So you were what was in there. |
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| After many attempts, finally took an experienced and rather gruff nurse to come in, grab my breast, and shove it in your mouth for the two of us to figure out how to keep you in food. |
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| For some reason, Grandma Bernie loved that photo so much she penciled it. |
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| Wasn't long before you threw me over for a singing Care Bear. |
| Discovered pumpkins were okay companions. |
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| Tried every activity we forced you into even if you were uncertain as to the outcome. "Mom?" |
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| Took boat rides with strangers. |
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| Adopted a steadfast dedication to your clothing and your artistic abilities. |
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| Napped like your old man. |
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| Smiled even if you didn't have any teeth. |
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| Swam in whatever swimming hole I brought you to. |
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| Collected Christmas presents while wearing a Green Bay Packer sweatshirt (before going to the dark side and cheering for the pseudo America's Team.) | | |
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| Volunteered your time, costumed of course, with your brothers. |
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| And the years went by and are chronicled in all those albums and boxes and more boxes not shown that had you a different mother might be more organized so she might know which ones held photos of just you. Alas... |
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| ...you fell in love in high school. |
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| Graduated from college and got one of those rings you had to drink an entire pitcher of beer to get. | |
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| A proud parent moment. First time alcohol ever passed those lips, I am certain. |
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| Got a job, fell even more in love, and got a dog. |
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| Married that lovely high school sweetheart. |
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| Endured yet another costume I provide every Fourth of July. |
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| Continue each day to create an incredible life. |
Happy 30th Birthday, Jacob. Don't quite know how it went that fast.
Most proud of you.
You certainly brought in a keeper. Happy birthday to your Jacob.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joanne. Nice to have him.
DeleteWhat a sweet sweet reflection on this young man's life. I love the pencil sketch your mom did, and I love how you've captured his personality in the series of pics.
ReplyDeleteYes, my mom worked so hard on that. I keep it on my dresser and whenever she would visit she would study it. Then ask me, "Do you put this out just because I'm visiting?"
DeleteMy mom.
For someone who doesn't like kids, you done good! Nice blog post!
ReplyDeleteHa!, Yeah, I had pretty much decided I could live without having any. Oh, the things we think and the way it turns out.
DeleteI still wish mine stayed as puppies some times, but enjoy them as adults as well
ReplyDeleteI am. And it is much easier, I must say.
DeleteAnd so you should be - it looks as though he has thoroughly earned that pride.
ReplyDeleteYup, he is doing well. Now, when he was 17....
DeleteWhat a wonderful journey! I loved every picture, every word. It's perfect. Happy birthday, Jacob, and congratulations on raising a darn fine person! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, DJan. Perhaps I made it sound too easy. Ha!
DeleteIt is amazing how fast they grow and change and we seem to stay the same!
ReplyDeleteI know I'm the same. Ha!
DeleteWhat a lovely chronicle. Happy Birthday--you did a fine job, he looks like he turned out perfectly!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely perfect in every way.
DeleteSo sweet. It's fun to see him grow up via the photos. Seems like childbirth was the start of quite a road trip for you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, and one I never thought I'd take. One of those twists where you start out lost and never quite know if you'll take the right turns. Always a challenge.
DeleteIt happens in a blink of an eye doesn't it. What a beautiful tribute to your son. Cheers, Beckie
ReplyDeleteTruly does go so quickly, even though there were days in the midst of it that never seemed to end.
DeleteI absolutely love the name of your blog! Jealous, in fact! And what are moving and revealing tribute to your son, Jacob. Seems the memory of acquiring those 64 stitches were well worth it in the long run!
ReplyDeleteHappy 30th to your son! You certainly gave him an ideal childhood. You must love that he married his high school sweetheart. What a handsome couple!
ReplyDeleteAww. That is so precious. What a gorgeous tribute to your son. I hope he had a wonderful 30th birthday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to your handsome boy. Lucky man to have a mom like you. I teared up at the end. Yes, it goes by way too fast.. sigh!
ReplyDeleteVery nice tribute to a fine young man. Very remindful of the path our two sons took as well.....:)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet and chronicled so well. I thought he was my kid for a minute! The love is infectious.
ReplyDeleteWow! You do have the most beautiful children.
ReplyDelete