Most years I miss his birthday. It is January 29, and I am usually in Florida. I always remember to call him and sing (probably much to his dismay) the family version of "Happy Birthday." I have to be very careful about where I am, as I can scare small children and send the aged into apoplexy with my rendition of that favorite song. But, as much as some family members act as if it is an embarrassment, I believe they would be disappointed if I missed a year. Well, at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Cole has never acted embarrassed.
I write this blog today because I will not have access to a computer the day of his birthday. I want him to know that I regret that it is his birthday I always miss, but that I am always thinking of him on January 29. I want him to know that I love him, that I am grateful for the wonderful things he has brought to our family in general and to me in particular. I want him to know that we'll celebrate his 1/2 birthday in July, like we did a few years ago. I want him to know that he is a fine gift that the Father sent to us almost 15 years ago.
It is hard to believe that the tall Cole of today is the same person as that tiny baby born almost 15 years ago. His mama had a bit of a struggle getting him here, but she and he and the loving attention of the Almighty God brought that sweet blessing to our family. He continues to bless us all as he grows. In just a few short weeks, he will be driving! And, I know that he will do it carefully because he would never ever want to be the cause of an accident where someone might be injured. He, more than most people, feels the pain of others. Some times it may seem as if he is not paying attention, but the truth is, he is on sensory overload because he is absorbing the feelings of those around him. That is a gift to those of us who are privileged to know and love him. I imagine some days it seems like a terrible malady to him.
He has had "obsessions" throughout his life. It makes me laugh because he is surely not the only person in this family with that condition He used to love women's shoes. One time at church he asked his great aunt, "where did you get those shoes. I wove them." He did not pronounce his l's and r's at that young age. One of our funniest family stories of a conversation between Cole and Nunny went something like this. Cole said something about a candy "wappa." Nunny, in an effort to correct his mispronunciation said, "No, Cole, it's r r r r wrappa." She's known to drop her r's at the end of most words.
Then he collected whistles. He still has a whistle that Mr. Lincoln gave him that he had used as a football official, and one that MP had used as a lifeguard. Marshall made him a rack for them. He used to love dry erase markers. I have hanging above my computer a long piece of wood with the words "I Love U" hand lettered in purple paint. It was a gift from precious Cole. I have another red heart shaped one that says, "Love Your Life."
About 3 or 4 years ago, Cole and I joined the Brentwood Camera Club. We had date night one Tuesday night a month. Because of life, we do not do that any more, but it was a really special time to me. We would always have dinner before our meeting. I always gave him options for dinner. The choices were dependant on how many tours I had been doing. Sometimes the options were Ruby Tuesday or McAlister's. Sometimes they were Chik-fil-a or Sonic. Ah, Aunt Mellie, the last of the big spenders. It did not matter to Cole. He was happy wherever we went. I do not know if he complains at home, but I rarely ever hear him complain about anything.
Of all the children in our family, Cole reminds me the most of my precious daddy. There are some superficial things that remind me of daddy...those light blue eyes, the almost frailness (which Cole is no longer), the beautiful smile. There are some more important characteristics of my dad that I see in Cole....a gentle spirit, a deep kindness embedded in his every cell, his gentlemanly, almost courtly manners. He is especially attentive to his grandmothers, Mimi and Nunny.
I really do not believe there is anyone who has met Cole that did not fall in love with him. He's funny. He has a great laugh. He is smart and very talented, especially with computers. He puts together powerpoints with music to share at family events. He loves his family. He'll sit at the table with us girls after a meal and just absorb the conversation. I suspect that Christmas night he learned more about pregnancy, labor, and delivery than any 15 year old boy wants or needs to know.
Somewhere down the road, he is going to meet a girl who will not be able to believe her good fortune in finding a boy who will work hard to see that her every wish is granted. That's just the kind of guy Cole is. He is like a real live prince charming.
Is he perfect? Nope. Just like the rest of us, he has his own set of challenges and flaws. He can get a little OCD at times. Can't we all? He can get a little angry at times. Yep, never met a person who couldn't.
But, you know what he's doing today, on his Christmas break? He is in Lebanon, working hard with family cleaning out his great-grandmother's house. I am sure he is deep within him feeling a sadness that she has had to move from her home. Not many 15 year olds would even get that, but Cole does. I hope they give him some keepsake that belonged to her. He will cherish it. I hope as he grows that he will learn to be more of a "squeaky wheel," and not always set himself aside...or do I wish that for him? I never get a sense of resentment from him when he does put everyone else before himself. Could it be that this 15 year old gets it so much better than his 59 year old aunt? I think so.
So for today, I wish you the eyes to learn lessons from those younger than you, I wish you examples of kindness and sensitivity in all you meet, and I wish you
blessings.
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