Thursday, September 17, 2009

Happy Birthday, Tanner!

Today one of my babies turns 17. Seventeen. That's close to grown up. When did that happen?

Was it while I was still recovering from the actual birthing of that 9 pound 4 ounce bundle of joy?  Was it during one of the MANY trips we've made to the ER to have some part of his head or face sewn up?  Was it during that day we watched the anesthesia kick in before the doctors stuck a camera down his throat and took pictures of his digestive system?

Perhaps it was when he started wearing those dreaded Rec Specs for basketball and then silenced the mockers when he sank his first 3 pointer.  Maybe it was when he lost his favorite cowboy when my dad passed away.  Maybe it was this summer when we checked out a college campus and started talking about ways to make that work.
Tanner drives a rather beat up truck that doesn't really blend in with the fancy cars many kids in his high school have.  But he loves that truck.  He often wears cowboy boots and some of my dad's very old fashioned cowboy shirts which is not really the "cool kid approved" clothing.  But he loves the way he dresses.  And his dream vacation is not a trip to a beach somewhere.  He would much prefer to someday accompany my brother on an elk hunt.

Tanner has always marched to the beat of his very own drum. (Even his imaginary friend was a bit out of the norm.) An animal lover, a reader, a champion of the underdog, he respects your beliefs, but you aren't going to persuade him to change his. He's brilliant in many ways, but he sure doesn't tell anyone that. And he has such a tender heart. If you're this kid's friend, you're his friend for life.  If you are his mom, you are one very blessed woman.

Happy Birthday, my neglected middle child.  I love you so.

6 comments:

Elaine said...

Tanner is one great guy, and I've always loved the beat of the drum he marches to. Give him a birthday hug from me!

Tex said...

haha thanks mama, i love ya

BelindaKendall said...

What if you were his Sunday School teacher and gave him his first opportunity to ride in the very first Palm Sunday Parade astride a human donkey, shouting, "HoSannta! HoSannta!"
Okay, maybe not he best Sunday school teacher but delighted to have known Tanner, I realized for ALL of his life! Wow!

What a humble quiet spirited young man! The world is yours, young warrior! Go for it! God is FOR you! Dare 2 Dream and chase the dream and the lions! Be a Benaiah and don't let anyone put you in their box!

You are fearfully and wonderfully made! And no wonder, look at the material God had to work with!

Spencer said...

well i guess we all now know who the real favorite child is...neglected huh? haha, just kidding mommy, i know you pretend to love all us equally, im just rememberin a few of those ER visits with Ner. Kid's a magnet for injury...

Myrna Rock said...

Capable and tender hearted is how I see Tanner. Whether it is painting my house or looking out for his younger brother, Tanner is a young man of strength and integrity. Try to stay out of the ER.

Anonymous said...

I remember the 1st grade Tanner, now 17! When did that happen? Happy belated Birthday!
Love The Prices

Post a Comment