Twenty-five years ago, a new person joined our family. We knew that safely guiding him to adulthood would not be an easy task. There were trials and tribulations; there was much yelling and many tears; there were times we had to remind ourselves that no, children can’t be returned for exchange to the manufacturer; and there was that time when raced back from Louisiana, arriving in Houston just as he was being wheeled out of the orthopedic specialist’s office after falling and injuring his knee.
At the same time, there were laughs and hugs; there were some hilarious conversations, as he learned to speak like the grown-ups; there were tears of joy, as he celebrated milestones in his progression through school; there were pleasant surprises as he started taking initiative, and learning without prodding; and there was a lot of pride as he showed that he knew when to do the right thing, and followed through on his “gut instinct”.
And today, we mark another milestone, as he turns a quarter-centruy old! Here are some photo memories of birthdays (and other days) past:
with Grandma Sarah. ca. 1987
Edward at 4
"Sweet" 16, doing what he loved: sparring with his mother
... and at 20, practicing fire safety
(Picture of Edward at a quarter century to be posted, when I get it taken.)
Happy birthday, son. You are truly a blessing to us.
