To celebrate my son's birthday

The Slice of Life on Tuesdays can be found with Ruth and Stacey at their blog, Two WritingTeachers.  It’s a wonderful group of writers who share pieces of their lives.  Go visit!

My son Nathan, his wife Barb and son (my first grandchild Carter, almost 11) moved to another state over a year ago.  We lived close to each other and saw them at least once a week, and spoke on the phone often.  I had the privilege of picking up my grandson from school once in a while and he spent a night with us on the weekends often.  As I've said in other posts, I miss them a lot.  But one of the good things about people moving away is that it is so exciting when they come for a visit.
       My grandson arrived a week ago to spend time with me, and his parents just came for a long weekend to pick him up, visit a few days more, and see old friends, too.  This is Nathan's first time living in a different city except when he was in college and in an internship in Washington DC.  He’s had some experiences finding his way around through those years and in traveling, but when one has to make a “home” in a new place, with wife and child, and start a new job with many responsibilities, it’s quite different. He has met these challenges with enthusiasm, and I believe it’s been a good time for him.  I’m proud of my son and how he lives his life.  Today is his birthday, so I thought I would write some things about him as one of my gifts to him.

Here are some things I know about Nathan.  Some are qualities I have recognized since he was a young child.  He is such a special person.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NATHAN!

six years old

1.        He is tireless in his approach to the day.  He wakes up with cheery “good mornings’ ready to tackle what’s next. 

2.         He gives support and compliments when needed, and always says thank you.

3.         He doesn’t ignore important and serious things, but comes right out to talk about them, asking questions, offering ideas, etc.

4.         Although there are times when life doesn’t go very well, Nathan continues to keep cheerful and positive.  He makes those around him feel better through his kindness.

5.         He takes care of himself by eating well and exercising.

6.         He is a thoughtful husband and keeps his wife at the top of his priority list when it comes to people.

7.         He is a wonderful father and spends time doing both the little and the grand things with his son.

8.         He is a son I am proud of, and also one I can count on.  That means a lot.

Although he is now living far away, I love the visits, and the relationship that we have.  It was great to have him here for a few days!  And of course, terrific to have my daughter-in-law and grandson too!