“I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth.” ~ 3 John 4
Twenty-one years ago, on December 3, 1988, two great events simultaneously took place. A son, destined to be #1 in this family, and a mother were born.
I, along with the millions to have gone before me, was clueless...
Everything leading up to this moment was a combination of theory and second hand information.
From here on out, the rubber was going to meet the road.
Because of your birth order, you have been a “test kitchen” for many parenting theories and ideologies…
You’ve survived.
You, unlike the rest of your siblings, also benefited from two years of undivided attention from those same well meaning, albeit idealistic parents.
No one else in your “herd” of brothers can lay claim to this “accomplishment.”
Diligently determined, introspective, outspoken, honest, principle driven, fiercely loyal to family and friends…
These are but a few of the many adjectives that accurately describe who you are.
You have applied yourself well to many difficult lessons, situations, and challenges in your relatively short life,
and because of your application, you thrive…
Dad and I watch you apply what we have now come to cherish and rely on as our greatest treasures…
Biblical truth and the familial legacy of wisdom handed down from our own parents.
You are blessed with a legacy of greatness on both sides of your family…
It is inspiring to watch you seek after the same.
Practicing servant leadership, while modeling strength,
we watch you work with hundreds of children every week…a coveted reward for two parents attempting to do their best.
Very few people in this present day truly value children, see their God-given potential, and encourage them to attain it.
You are one of those people.
You are an excellent, but not perfect, example to your younger brothers.
You value the friendship and camaraderie of the same, above all others.
You continue to seek after knowledge and apply truth and are faithful to pursue those above personal comfort.
You are a patriotic American, versed in freedom and its value for people world wide, knowing that there is a cost to maintain it.
You continue to study in case you are called upon to practice statesmanship in situations where the stakes are high.
You consistently model confidence that you will embrace this task and responsibility at all costs, should the need arise.
Where Dad and I are concerned, you have definitely been “iron sharpening iron” in our lives.
We love you, cherish you, and look forward to the coming years of intimate friendship with you and your family.
Happy 21st Birthday, Son…
Thank you for being the impetus that allowed me to embark on the greatest journey of my life.
Love,
Mom
Happy Birthday #1.
Trisha
It has been a pleasure hearing of your growth through the years, even if from the fringe sides of life. Watching your with your brothers is heartwarming. You are a wonderful young man and it is a pleasure to know you.
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So beautifully stated! It makes me cry just thinking that someday my #1 will be 21 (18 years from now…..) and to be so proud! Happy Birthday #1!
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Happy Birthday!!!
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I have the pleasure of knowing Son #1 and can vouch for Tommy Mom’s accolade. She is being quite objective. The other four are pretty great guys as well. As I said, it’s a pleasure to know them — and to see leadership education at work.
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I consider myself blessed to be a friend of your family and to have seen you grow up into an incredible young man – you impress me everytime I see you. Keep up the good work.
Call me for a free 24 hr use of my car. (seriously) but you may have to let brother #2 come along with
XOXO
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Dear Teri-
You are such an inspiration to me! Thank you so much for your blog. It is a light in a sometimes very difficult journey! I am SO moved by your loving tribute to your oldest son – he sounds like a beautiful human being. You and your husband have a right to be so proud!!!
Warmly,
Karen Etcheverry
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What a tribute! And, I am privileged to know this young man and his family. I am so glad.
Barbara
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SNIFF SNIFF, SNORT, SNIFF, SNIFF!
In a blink of the eye, our children go from birth to 21. I’m going to savor today. Thank you Teri. Happy Birthday to Mom and Son.
Joelle
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Well said, Joelle! I’m also trying to savor each day. I’d be proud, too; Reagan is a sharp young man. You & Paul have done nice work in raising him. Wish him a happy B-day from me, please.
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I know Son #1 as well. Despite his wacky hair, he really DOES have his head on straight! The older he gets, the older I feel!
Uncle T.
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Teri Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Amen to the “older he gets older I feel” comment. And as far as the hair goes, oh sagely wise brother of mine…please refer to picture #1 again. 1 month old, no gel,spray, “bedhead” et all “product” to give him that “look.” Just “au natural.” I guess some people just forge their own “hair destiny” from the beginning… ;0)
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I sure hope that is all in a CM album! : )
Can we arrange a marriage b/t one of yours and one of ours?
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Teri Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
@ Caroline: You crack me up! Another CM person asked me today if I had any photos left to share on this blog for his 22 birthday! ;0)
How are you, my friend!?!?
I told him about the arranged marriage prospect…He laughed…but only because it was you, mind you. ;0)
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Teri,
Fun theme and great article…I feel like I have spent two lifetimes with my kids and now grandchildren in these kinds of activities. It is great to see your children develop a heart of generosity and service. Keep up the great stuff and tell that boy of yours I wish him a Happy 21st. Jenna was there last May and it was a fun one!!
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Teri Reply:
December 4th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
@Dwight:The Hilles, folks, are amazing people and phenomenal friends. They have practiced Leadership Education principles forever. I am honored to call them friends, and want you to know that they have 3 of the finest adult children that I have the pleasure of knowing. They are proof that these principles work if you will be diligent and faithful to use them. They are great community leaders and examples of multigenerational faithfulness…they are in impact phase, for sure.
The Hilles have raised their family to have a global impact, modeled effective local leadership in whatever community they’ve lived in, and are going to be “In the Spotlight” here on TommyMom….definitely something to look forward to!
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What a sweet tribute to #1 – a very special boy in my heart since I was lucky enough to be there when he was born!
#1 you are very dear to me and I am so proud of you and all your brothers. I loved seeing all the photos, it brought back fun memories. We only wish we could have been there with all of you to celebrate your special day. Love you and miss you. I have one child especially who is bugging the heck out of me to get back there with all of you – bet you can’t guess who that is?!!! ;0)
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Teri Reply:
December 5th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
@Cathy: In some ways it seems like yesterday that you were sitting there….I wasn’t exactly sitting, but you get the idea,…waiting for #1 to show his lovely, shining face to the world! ;0) What a nice tribute from Auntie Cathy!….it took less than 2 seconds for us to figure out “which kid”, by the way… ;0)
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#1 happens to be one of my favorite 21 year olds. Did you imagine when you held that crazy haired infant that he would become such an amazing young man? Don’t tell him I said this, but HE was the 17 year old “homeschooled” kid who stood out among the rest as a beacon of hope for what a successful home education journey looks like, that caused me to run in your direction and say, “How do you do it? What’s your secret?”. I love him dearly, and pray for all of life’s richest blessings for this guy.
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Teri Reply:
December 6th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
@Cherylyn: And THAT right there, folks, is a valid reason for “why” we do what we do as parents…day in and day out…it IS soooo worth it! ;0)
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What a touching tribute to someone who makes a difference in every life he touches! Well said, Teri and well done! We love and appreciate you and value your examples!
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