Comments on: To My Son: Happy Birthday

By: Oscarandre

Oscarandre — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 07:31:58 +0000

Happy birthday, Spencer (but nothing in the mail, I’m afraid). I hope I can say these things when my son turns 17, Tim.

By: Marie (the MUCH YOUNGER - would you believe a little younger? - SISTER)

Marie (the MUCH YOUNGER - would you believe a little younger? - SISTER) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:34:15 +0000

Birthday’s are special, and all the more so when they get that very specific recognition that can only come from a parent. Especially as a teenager, a parent’s thoughtful comments (and many “thoughtless” ones as well) will be carefully archived for later reference. Think how many times we all go back, rewind and replay comments made by our parents, whether good or bad! Anyway, I applaud the way you consistently and respectfully honor your family in such a beautifully public way on this board, Tim. I have no doubt that it has positively impacted them, your whole family, and all of us for that matter.

One of my proudest moments is realizing what exceptional human beings my older siblings have become. What hope I take away from witnessing their parenting successes! What joy I take from the occasional stumble! (Seriously – it is heartening to think that MY son won’t be the only one to occasionally mess up!)

Tim – Your sons both amaze me, each in very different ways. As Tiffany and Bonnie have suggested, the men that they have become (and are becoming) is a tribute to you and Leeann, as well as our parents and ancestors. You’re wonderful parents, and no doubt your sons’ will provide many beautiful memories for all of us to go back and replay in the years to come. (“It’s not a Tumah!” notwithstanding.)

I’m grateful for the chance to have grown up with each of my sibs to emulate, and to still be around to see all our boys becoming men. It’s a tremendous blessing and an honor.

Happy Birthday Spencer! From one of your other Aunt’s… The birthday card’s in the mail. Really. I mean it this time!

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:24:09 +0000

He is a wonderful young man, as is his brother. As one of his aunts, I can tell you that our mother would certainly have been loud at football games. She would have been at everyone, even if it meant taking along an oxygen tank. But she also would have spoken to him quietly – to tell him how proud she is of him. To tell him that she is proud of the decisions that he has made. To tell him that she sees strength in him that is more than just physical – it’s steely determination; it’s faith that will move mountains that seem unmovable to others; it’s commitment to do the right thing no matter what others think; it’s love for his family. I know she would have written this because I’ve seen the same things. And Daddy would have commented on this message, saying much the same thing.

If Daddy was still living, he would now be 82. But I dare say that he would have insisted that we set up a blog and show him how to post. Though a 2-finger typist, he would have posted every day that he able. And one of the tags in his tag cloud would surely be “Grandsons”. Both of your sons would find their themselves in that cloud.

You would be there too, Tim. “Timthefoolman” would be on his blogroll. And if we didn’t teach him how to copy and paste or trackback, he would have laboriously copied at least parts of this message to say in his own blog how proud he is of you. The challenge would be ensuring that he preserved your anonymity, and that of your sons.

I agree with Tiffany. This is a great tribute.

You’re doing a great job, as a blogger and a dad! Love you!

By: Leeann

Leeann — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:10:29 +0000

I am sure you made his day very special.

By: tiffanytaylor

tiffanytaylor — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:06:15 +0000

What a wonderful tribute to your son (and to your good parenting!). Happy birthday to him!