 |
| Hunter's 6th Birthday |
In 2001 I flew to LA to visit my sister Tricia. She
had just had her second baby in 15 months and 911 was still fresh in the minds
of everyone around the world. It was an uncertain time and one that left us constantly questioning life. John and I had recently moved back from the
Philippines so Tricia and I had not had an opportunity to just hang out with our babies and enjoy time with one another in this new chapter of our lives. Being twins and new moms within months of one another was a unique experience, so being together with our children was important. Funny enough, it was during my trip to see her, that I was surprised to discover that I was pregnant again! John had not come with me and Jack on this trip, so instead of calling him to tell him the news, I waited to surprise him. Jack was only 10 months old at the
time so it’s safe to say that we had not planned this out and it was not
something that we had expected; but I guess sometimes the best things in life just
happen! When I got off the plane with
Jack, John was eagerly waiting for us at the gate. He had missed us (well mostly
Jack) and he reached out to give him a squeeze and a kiss. When he finally leaned
in to show me some love, I handed him the pregnancy stick and waited for his
response. He smiled with a perplexed look on his face and said, “oh cool, a
tongue scraper!” I’m totally serious! “ What? Umm,
no John, look again”…well needless to say I had to tell him what he was looking
at! We both couldn’t help but laugh at not only his oddly weird mistake but,
the shock of our now growing family!
Hunter was born at 10:30am on June 1, 2002.
He was 8 lbs. 12 oz. John was there to witness yet another son of his enter this world and he was extremely overjoyed and quite frankly a little faint…so much so that the
Doctor told him to have a seat and put his head between his legs. True story! I
could only shake my head and give him a look, I’m pretty sure I was the one
that had just given birth. John, at 26 years
young was already the father of 2 boys, it was a very proud moment and one that
helped to fill the cracks in his heart that the loss of the brother he never
had a chance to know, had left. He loved
that Jack was going to have a brother to grown up with and his “boys” made him
happier then he could have ever imagined. John always let the boys know how proud he was of them. He showered them with lots of love and affection and he always told them how much he loved them. I know that they will remember those parts for sure!
Today Hunter turns 15, it’s a big deal in the
life of a young teen when each year means that he is that much closer to the
small freedoms you can’t wait to be old enough to experience… 1 more year until
he can drive, 3 more years until he graduates from high school and 4 more years
until he can “legally” go for a drink! Although this Birthday is the first one
he will celebrate without John, I know that the past 14 hold some of his most
cherished memories with his dad. The ever-memorable paper bag riding bull, the countless
party games, races, trivia, piñatas, and party time fun will never be
forgotten. John never missed out on the boy’s birthdays and he made it as
enjoyable for them as he possibly could. As much as the teenage years are no
longer filled with party games and loot bags, I am grateful that all the boys
had the chance to experience that kind of love from him. Happy 15th Birthday Hunter! Your dad is always with you, especially
today!
 |
| From Simons Says to the Bucking Bronco to the good old fashion Potato Sack Race! |
