Happy Birthday to Son #2

It's a two-fer today!!  Yes, we already had a "meeting" of the Grace-filled Tuesdays Book Club this morning  here at the blog, but I'm back again (even though lately, I can hardly get myself to produce two blog posts in one week, let alone one day).  Because this Tuesday, there are more important people to celebrate than fictional characters in a novel. 

On this red letter day, 31 years ago, I gave birth to my second son.

There are not enough words to express how infinitely improved and enriched my life has been because he's been in it.  From the time he was very small, he had the gift of reading the feelings of those about him and having empathy for others, when often so many of those subtle vibes go over the heads of spirited little boys careening through rooms like speeding cars or flying superheros.  Although he was just as rough and tumble as any little fella, he also was--and is to this day--so very in tune with what's going on in the hearts and minds of those around him.  (Here's a tidbit that could have been added to today's book club post: the character of J.D. Kelly, one of Grace's older brothers, was very much inspired by this particular son.)

I know these traits have made him a wonderful son.  They also make him a wonderful high school teacher.  And now a wonderful husband and father.  I love him so much that when I think about him, I feel as if my heart will burst.

He's a new daddy now, with a son of his own; and my dearest hope for Junior is that he grows up to be as fine a man as the one he was named after.

Sr. and Jr., rocking the same sailor suit--31 years apart!

Happy Birthday, to the son who is my favorite on this date! 

He gives the best bear hugs!

I think we're practically twins.

Love you to the moon and back.