Happy Birthday Travis

(My heart)

Today is my only son's birthday. He arrived about 4 weeks early. I didn't even have a clue I was in labor. All in the back.....it was excruciating. We happened to be on a trip out of town. Where you ask? Natchitoches, on a hunting trip......it was the first day of squirrel season! Well his father was hunting, I was pacing the floor. This was long before cell phones and such and with no way to reach his father we headed to the hospital where it was confirmed I was in labor and I birthed that boy all by myself without the aid of any drug!!!

(Sick with pneumonia)

 From the moment he entered my life he filled this empty spot. If you know me, or follow along with my blog you know of which I speak. Because I was so young I often had people that would try to take him, take over. I always raised my hand up and said, nope, he's mine.

(Maddie Grace face right there)

 We basically grew up together, Me and Travis, Travis and me. He was an early riser....sun up, Travis's feet hit the floor, that is till somewhere around middle school where he preferred sleep over play. I can remember as a young child wanting to have children but I never imagined such love. We've always been close, although high school brought some rough waters. I can honestly say the boy has brought me nothing but joy.

(High School)

 As I read this post on Travis's FB a few days back regarding his only son, " Last night while having a "heart to heart" with my son concerning his eduction and the effort he was putting into I had one of those moments where I realized I sounded just like my dad when we discussed my school performance. This boy is a carbon copy of his dad when it comes to school and now I realize how frustrating it can be for a parent and a teacher and I wish now I'd have put fourth a little more effort and tried a little harder, cause now I'm getting the pay back mom wished on me"  It brought back a flood of sweet memories of days gone by.

(Travis and Eric, early 90's

 His dad thinks he and Travis have a great relationship, and they do. But one day I just had to tell Tommy, you don't know the days that boy stops off here at this house to see his momma (and Cherie prolly doesn't either)

(His Wedding Day)

 He is what every mom wants their son to be. Honest, hard working, faithful, loving, giving and kind. He's an awesome son, an amazing Dad and a pretty good husband in my opinion (although I'm not married to him) I've always gotten complements on how wonderful my children are and they say it's a product of their raising.

(All of his buddies. It warms my heart to say he is still friends with all these guys)

 Admittedly I've made plenty of mistakes but that child, nor any of my others for that matter wasn't one. They've all been blessings in their own ways. They don't come with an instruction book. You learn as you go. But I loved them unconditionally, even when I wanted to kill, I gave them a little rope, and I gave them rules. Along with the rules came punishment for breaking said rules.

(Daddy and Son)

 So Travis as you try to steer your son in the right direction.....remember he is a carbon copy of you and what works on one may not work on the other. You've made me one proud momma and I love you more then I could ever say in words. 

Happy Birthday Travis!!!!!