Four score and seven years ago, minus 64, we were in a hospital in Evanston meeting our first-born son. We named him Brian, in part, because the name was not very common in 1989. Funny thing, a bunch of other new parents had the same idea. By the time he was in high school, half the baseball team turned their heads when the coach called out his name. His middle name is for his uncle Jeff, a man he admires, though they battle over favorite sports teams.
It is time for a birthday top ten. Here we go:
Number 10
Brian is a rarity for his age...23 and debt-free. Folks, it can be done, and he's proof. His sister is proving it as well.
Number 9
He made it though Illinois with his values intact...still loves God though he had to wade through a secularist cesspool and is still a conservative after years of misguided liberal indoctrination.
Number 8
Loves country music, good taste!
Number 7
He's actually started to read and likes it! Gives us more to talk about.
Number 6
We get to work together. He's one of the best co-workers I've ever had.
Number 5
He's competitive. It's a gene that does not run through my blood, so I learn a lot about competitive people through him.
Number 4
He's got a great sense of humor. I cannot tell you how many times he's made me laugh, I mean breathless, about to black out, thinking I was about to see Jesus face to face!
Number 3
My friends like my kid. It's one thing for you to like your kid...it's another thing when your friends do.
Number 2
OK, here's the big one, your birthday gift. A few years back Brian traded in his Sosa jersey and joined Redbird Nation. It was tough to handle. But, over time he's helped us to see the light, and I think we're ready to trade in the Cub card for a team that actully wins. Here it is Bri, for birthday 23, on 12.12.12, just a handful of days before the Mayans end the world as we know it, I'm in. Call me a Cardinal fan. So, with my migration to the Packers (was a Bills fan...uggh) and Cardinals, for the first time in almost 50 years, I know what winning feels like...gotta say, it's pretty nice.
Number 1
He introduced me to Duck Dynasty, and makes me hapy, happy, happy!
Uncle Si says, "Happy Birthday Jack!"
Oh, your friends at Apple Holler say Happy Birthday as well.