The youngest child.... his 39th birthday

I went back to 2012 to see what I posted for this child, my youngest. I figured I had more time to think about it then so I may just repost what I wrote, with some minor revising. Let see....

Born at 9:37AM on October 16, 1974. 7 lb. 15 oz. 19 1/2 inches long. My smallest baby! Took awhile for him to grow tall, but he has. And he is my Army boy. As a youngster he sure managed to get into a lot of trouble. I think it was the 4th or 5th grade of school that we were called about him fighting at school on numerous occasions. Sigh. I wonder if it was more bullying and he was defending himself. I remember his 5th grade teacher was a male teacher. The teacher called and told me that in the previous 4 grades Stuart's teachers had been women who thought Stuart was so cute, and because he was small, he got to sit on their laps during stories. True or not, I don't know, but seems I was told that. I was assured by this male teacher it was not going to happen in His class; his first thought, he said, when he heard Stuart was going to be in his class was 'on no!!'. Yes, he did tell me that! But I think it all turned out well.

Back in 1979 when we lived about a mile or so from my mother, I received a call from mother asking me where Stuart was. I told her he was outside playing. She asked if I was sure. I thought I was, and went out looking for him. I couldn't find him. Come to find out, he had walked through neighborhoods and found his way to grandma's house. That meant so much to her, and it has become a story told and retold in the family.

Stuart is also like my little brother, Buddy. In fact, as I sat here and thought about what to write about Stuart, I started to write about how cute he looked in the Green Beret uniform I bought when he was six.... then realized I was thinking of Buddy. I need to look around and find that photo of Buddy.

If we thought about it for awhile, our whole family could probably could tell story after story about Stuart. He is my third child, the baby of the family. Spoiled at times, yes, but all the children were at some point. Loving and caring, and always giving to the point I could kick his butt. He has lost a lot of personal things and financially by letting others take advantage of him, which frustrates me I admit. However, he would help a buddy out in a heartbeat, regardless of what the cost to himself. He drives our family crazy with his behavior and his antics, but he is definitely loved. Some times we all just want to grab him by the neck and shake him. (Yes, son, I know you are smiling at that!)

Some day I hope he grows up. I'm sure he will, but at 39..... one can only continue to hope. I love you son. Happy 39th birthday.

Blessings!