Happy Birthday, Chadly!!

Chad,

Nineteen years ago tonight, I had just given birth to a perfect little boy.  I was a little tired and VERY hungry, and your dad and I celebrated your birth with a Domino's pizza!  We had a beautiful, spunky little girl, exactly one week shy of two years old, and now we had our boy.  I remember thinking that all was right with the world!!!

You were born just exactly the way you lived your life--in your very own terms!!  Your first due date was December 18th, which was changed to December 24th.  Your sister had been born precisely on her due date.  But you....you were all about making an entrance.....in your own time!!  When labor was finally induced early that morning, you continued to take your time.  I watched The Morning Show, I napped, watched The Young and the Restless, napped, watched Wheel of Fortune.....well, you get the picture.  You finally made your appearance a little after nine that night.....a pink, perfect, little bundle (not so little, actually, just one ounce short of nine pounds!) of ALL boy!!  And I was head over heels in love with you!

Life with you was NEVER boring!  Even as a tiny baby, you made me laugh.  And very soon you established yourself as the comic relief in a home that was so often in need of comic relief!!!   Your comedic timing was there from day one!  You always had just the right facial expression, exactly the right words, and such a keen observation of people!!  Life was about how much fun you could have and about how many people you could make laugh.  We should all adopt just a fraction of that approach to life!

But your life wasn't ALL about comedy.  You were a listener.  You often were just 'there' for others.  I knew a little about that while you were here, but I've learned more about that side of you since you've been gone.  Your true love for people was so very apparent to all who knew you, and you didn't hesitate to show that.

Though your life was much shorter than I anticipated...or wanted...it was a WONDERFUL life you lived.  One only needs to go to your Facebook page today to see just what kind of life you lived.  You touched people.  You made an impression.  I can't think of a better legacy to leave on this earth than for those who knew you to think about you with a smile, a laugh, a warm feeling.....knowing that their lives are a bit fuller and brighter because you were here.  

I can't think of anything that could have made me prouder to be your mom.  Through all of the ups, downs, and sideways, we continued to share a unique and genuine love for each other that transcended either of our shortcomings, and that love formed a bond between us that even death can't sever.  Thanks so much for letting me continue to feel your presence and for sending me signs to let me know that you're ok and still thinking of me.  While I miss you like crazy, and SO long to feel your hug, hear your giggle, and kiss you on top of your head, I rejoice that you are spending this birthday at peace.  I can only imagine what kind of party you've thrown for yourself today!!!!  I love you SOOO much!

Mom