Happy Birthday, Traveler Chris

Today, Young Son turns 22 in Costa Rica during his Study Abroad trip. He's finishing up that pesky foreign language requirement that will allow him to graduate from college into the Real World as a writer and a teacher. Two interests that are very dear to my heart as well! Fruit not falling far from the tree and all.

Birthday always launch me on a journey of "I remember":

• You were always such a happy baby; kind of a one-boy Welcome Wagon. You always had a smile, a wave or a hug for anyone who passed. One of the sweet things we've always said to each other is, "You are a wonderful companion on this road of life."
• You have always been a master of details. When you were about to turn three, you wanted an "army party" and a cake that said, "Happy Birthday, G.I. Chris." At four, you wanted a "golf party" and a cake that said, "Happy Birthday, Golfer Chris." Sensing a trend there.
• You loved a good challenge. I don't know what possessed you to want to "dig a hole big enough to put your bike into" in our backyard when you were 8, but by golly you accomplished it in the Texas bedrock.
• You didn't sleep through the night until you were three. There was too much going on that you thought you might miss, apparently! Through our many late night rocking chair visits we've created a special bond that lasts until this day. You were utterly delightful... even at 3 a.m. Back in the day when I could stay awake until 3 a.m.

Of course I could list my memories forever. What I'd rather focus on is the right now: I am so very proud of the way you have handled the struggles we have faced as a family. I've always known that I could count on you for support of any kind.

I'm in awe of your ability to fearlessly head toward adventure and navigate it so well. Summer at Bonaroo? No problem. Monkeys in the rainforest? Piece of cake. Working your way through college? Consider it done.

So, Young Son, I wish you the happiest of Birthdays far from home. God has a BIG future and a BIG hope for you, and I cannot wait to see where He will place you on this road of life.

Love, YBM