First of all, Happy Memorial Day to all!
I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that I can live in a country in which I can blog about whatever I want (freedom of speech), acknowledge Jesus Christ as my Savior in any public or private forum I wish (freedom of religion), and pursue joy in my life in whichever [legal] manner I desire.
Although, on Memorial Day, we typically remember the loss of life that resulted from this nation’s efforts to secure freedom, this holiday has come to mean something else for me as well.
Birth.
More specifically, the birth of my sweet Rooster.
Seventeen years ago, Rooster was born.
It was Memorial Day.
Chicky spent the day at Coupon Queen and Grand Pooba’s house while the Mr., after going through Hardees’ drive-thru to pick up a couple of sausage biscuits for himself (giving birth is tough on men), drove me to the hospital after my water broke at home.
By early-afternoon, I was holding my bundle of joy.
Rooster slept six hours straight from the first night we brought him home, and he’s been a good sleeper ever since.
As a baby and toddler, he was content to sit wherever I put him and play with whatever was around him. He didn’t cause much trouble and never got into things the way that Chicky did.
After Chicky started school, Rooster and I grew especially close, and it was with many tears (mine, that is) that I sent him to kindergarten.
My day-time buddy was gone.
We’ve remained close, though. Over the years, we’ve spent many, many hours watching The History Channel together. We’ve rented countless movies and watched programs that we DVR’d. Watching TV together is “our thing.”
As Rooster has grown, he’s developed a quirky sense of humor…one that is laced with sarcasm. I’m positive that he didn’t get that from me. *cough*
Rooster has changed so much over the years…evolving from a child who was leery to try new things and branch out on his own to a young man who leads the way in his independent thinking. For example, he tried out for band after having played soccer for a number of year. That took guts.
He doesn’t do things just to fit in with the crowd. He cares not what the other kids are doing, per se.
He marches to the beat of his own drum.
One thing that has always impressed me is that he was the first of my two children who decided to attend youth group…without me having to “make” him go. Chicky followed suit a few months later. Rooster always pitches in when something needs to be done at church or at a church member’s home. He can be a hard worker and has gone on a couple of mission trips in the last few years.
He inspires me.
I think it’s fitting that I celebrate his birthday with all gusto on this, a day when we remember those who are no longer living.
They died so that future generations like myself and Rooster’s could enjoy life to the fullest.
So, Happy Memorial Day to all and a very Happy Birthday to Rooster.
I love you, Dude!
Filed under: children | Tagged: childrearing, children, memorial day | 1 Comment »
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