Today is Sam's birthday. Sweet Sixteen. Happy birthday to my dear, quiet, strong boy. Here is one picture, and I'll post more about him later, in my mega-May birthday extravaganza but I need to reminisce for just a minute. This day takes me back to when we spent two very happy years living in Georgia. We moved there when Johnathan was two and even though we were in a new place and on our own, I knew it was time to have another baby. So we did and by the time he was born, we were so blessed with friends that I had two showers (even though he was my third son) and meals and babysitting help for 6 weeks, seriously. It was my favorite neighborhood that I've ever lived in-a true "backdoor" community, where the moms literally just popped in the back door to chat after the kids got off to school or down for a nap. Those good women welcomed me like a sister even though I know some of them had deep concerns about my religious beliefs (We were deep in the Bible Belt and on an institutional level, so-called Conservative Christians don't have much good to say about Mormons). We grew to love each other though, and we would put the kids down for naps and then drop off our baby monitors to each other and run errands knowing that our kids would be safe and happy with our beloved neighbors (yeah, we really did that kind of stuff 16 years ago-different world). It was a unique time in my life because I had as many close friends in my neighborhood as I did at church. For a shy gal like me, that was a really refreshing experience. I've kept in Christmas Card contact with many of them and still treasure that happy time we had in Marietta, one of the chief reasons being that we came home with our darling Sam, but also for all the wonderful memories I have of days as soft and warm as a southern accent, the tree that grew right through the middle of our deck, magnolia blossoms and women taking care of each other.
That sounds like great neighborhood to live in. So glad you had such support away from family. I feel that support from this ward, that's why I don't ever want to move.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you I just love Sam. He is an amazing boy/man. I only hope I can raise Alec to be like him. He amazes me every week in class with how much he knows and is so respectful. You should be very proud of how you raised this great child.
Lovely memories, Happy Birthday Johnathan. I drop my monitor off at my neighbors sometimes.... You mean, we're not suppose to do that these days? :-)
ReplyDeleteI love that. My husband is so very impressed with your Sam. What great memories :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice memory. It really is interesting how these major events really cement the entire time and place for us.
ReplyDeleteWhat choice memories. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteMmmm. I love the warm place and time you take us back to. Very dappled sunlight. What a lucky boy to have that association.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great memory! That so great that you all took care of each other. You do have some wonderful kids, you know.
ReplyDeleteWow Marietta sounded blissful! I bet those are amazing memories! Happy birthday to Sam!!
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