happy birthday, Dan-the-Man!

Twenty four years ago tonight, I brought my second son Dan into the world. (And like all moms, I've since told him I could take him OUT of it.) Bill will give you his version on how "hard" his job was that night, propping my shoulders while I pushed for an hour, but sorry, honey. Unless you've experienced an 8-pound baby leaving your body, you cannot make any claims of the "pain" of childbirth.

I give credit to my daughter-in-love Jenny for the idea of an acrostic on this special occasion, Dan's birthday!

D - Dan is a daring young man and always was. From babyhood on, he was a running, leaping, sprawling, sprinting jumble of boy. I don't know how he never broke a bone.

A - Amiable. Dan is such a friendly guy. He & Jenny built a network of great friends very quickly when they moved to Charlotte as newlyweds.

N - Dan is noble. My son desires to honor others and God with his life. He knows what is right and does it.

I - Intelligent and inquisitive. Dan was always a voracious reader. He became a teacher and I know he's striving to pass on his love of learning to his students. He loves books on world wars and has a growing collection of them.

E - Dan is amazingly expressive. He takes time to write down his thoughts to those he loves. I could see this tender quality in him even as a little boy, even though he tried to hide it.

L - Loving and loyal. What could be better than a loyal man? And Dan is just that. His loyalty to God, his wife, and family is exhibited in his life. Love and loyalty are character traits that require a large measure of selflessness.

Dan, I know you'll enjoy a fabulous birthday dinner tonight because Jenny's cooking! Have a great birthday and know that I love you!