Sharing a Day

Today is not only my father's birthday, but my youngest son's as well. I was born on my grandfather's birthday, so I know how special it is.

My father and son not only share a day, but they also share many other qualities. First of all, they are both the youngest child of their family. I'm sure my Grammy thought of her Johnny as her baby all of her life, just as Abel is my baby. (I know he doesn't like me to say that...but I don't care. I love him, and he knows it.)

Abel and my father both love books. Abel often had a stack of books in his crib. He learned to read by age three. We were homeschooling at the time, and I gave him things to color while I taught the other children. One day, he said, "I don't want to color anymore. I want to read!" So I taught him the basic phonics, and he took off from there. My father can't help poking through the boxes of books at yard sales, used book stores, or even the dump. His walls are lined with shelves, with everything from A.W. Tozier to Robert L. Stevenson.

They both are deep thinkers, not saying much...but when they do, be prepared to think. Both go beyond the words on a page and delve into the philosophical and spiritual meaning behind them.

My father loves talking with young children and teaching them new things. My kids used to think Mister Rogers was Grandaddy. Abel is the hero and buddy of his nephew, Gabriel. Maybe it's because they didn't have a younger brother or sister. Whatever the reason, I think it's great!

Happy Birthday, Daddy.
You have enriched my life
more than words can tell.
(((hugs)))

Happy Birthday, Abel.
May you keep the Lord
as the focus of your thoughts.
I love you!