36 years ago today I was blessed with the safe delivery of a son. That was before the days of sonograms. The pregnancy was so different than the first one that I was just sure that I was about to welcome Amanda into the world. He didn't have a name for a few days (you also still stayed in the hospital for 3 days following a birth). The nurses kept bugging me to fill out his birth certificate. John (in honor of my father) Andrew (nice, solid name) Braden was finally officially named on about day 3.
This is the same guy that I was telling you about yesterday that is now working Baby Bear with me on First Fridays. At 36 he is tall, dark and handsome and so much more. He is intelligent, thoughtful, involved in what he believes in (out today trying to get out the vote). He is a dreamer, spinning a tale that he hopes to sell. He is a teacher, an advocate and he is in love with a wonderful woman and over the moon about two little boys, one with Asperger's Syndrome. He is also forgetful, set in his ways and lives in a world that is black and white - he seldom sees grays.
This past year he has come back to the congregation that he was raised in and that gives me great joy.
Happy 36th Birthday to one of the true loves of my life.
Cathy, you have done a wonderful description of Andy. It's great that you feel so proud of him. After reading it, I googled Asperger's Syndrome and learned about it. That boy is lucky to have such a father. Happy birthday to Andy.
Sweet words and portrait of your son. You and my mom were on the same wavelength back in 1976...as her name choice was Amanda, too. I was almost Katie (that was the name that they agreed upon), but I just didn't look like a Katie to her. My sis is Katie and it fits her. Your son sounds like an amazing man. So glad that you have a good relationship with him.
What a wonderful photo, Cathy. Happy Birthday to your Andy. He sounds like a great young man. As a mom of a boy with autism, I know a great deal about Asperger's. He is very fortunate to be part of such a loving, family.
Yo, Andy, God blessed you with a great Mom on your birth-day but then you know that, don't you? Happy birthday to both of you (you were both involved, after all).
Happy Birthday! He certainly looks smashing! Lucky lady and lucky chap to have such a great and admiring Mum :)
(My 2 pregnancies were exactly, completely the same... so after a boy first, imagine my surprise to give birth to only the 2nd girl in Ed's family in nearly 100 years!)
Cathy, every time you write about family and friends, I am humbly moved by what you are able to portray. He is a lovely warm man. Once again, I note the similarity in our paths. . . my son, Chris, was born 35 years ago on October 30 and is just getting ready to marry the love of his life in two weeks. . .
What a touching tribute to your son Cathy. I have two sons, (and a daughter), the eldest son is 32 and I have just spent two very special days away with him, just us two. How lovely that you are obviously still so close, I hope you show him this photo. Fav for the sentiments and deep love shown so tenderly here.
@jackie8 Thanks Jackie. I am giving my journal to both of my sons.
And this one knows. We are close and I am so grateful for that. Glad you got to spend some time away with yours.
Beautiful words about your son. My hubby is also and Andrew... Andrew John lol. That's freaky! Elijah, my youngest, didn't have a name for a week.... we named him on his one week birthday lol. We had trouble deciding. A name is forever! Oh and another funny thing.. on the way to the hospital when I was in labour, Andy says to me... I think it's going to be an Eliana... which was one of the girls names on our list lol. Nope, never found out with any of my 3 if they were girls or boys... until the day they were born :)
(My 2 pregnancies were exactly, completely the same... so after a boy first, imagine my surprise to give birth to only the 2nd girl in Ed's family in nearly 100 years!)
And this one knows. We are close and I am so grateful for that. Glad you got to spend some time away with yours.