My youngest turns 19 today.
One year from today every Papp child will be a twenty-something.
No more teens.
Nate's last year as a teenager is going to be an exciting ride. In August we will make the trek to Abilene, and for the first time since 1995, one of our gang will have escaped Madiganistan, finding a new home in the wide open, freedom-loving spaces of West Texas!
There's a lot to celebrate about Nate, and lot to love.
Let's get on with the list.
The kid is a human alarm clock. I don't think I've ever had to go wake him up. Shellie, very occasionally. Brian, dynamite won't get it done.
He's been growing as a worker, as a conversationalist,
as a friend, as a manager of others, as a Christ-follower. I love watching him grow.
He's a master chef of Ramen, especially with his new microwave Ramen cooker!
How many kids do YouVersion Bible reading programs on their lunch break at work? His consistency is amazing.
Nate has always had a soft spot for people who are having a tough time in life. Maybe they have a little harder time socially, or are not as athletic as others. He takes them in, not as a project, but as a true friend.
Years ago his little league coaches nicknamed him Mr. 100%. Nothing has changed. He's always all in!
He likes to find common ground with me. He tries to find enjoyment and connection in things he knows I like to do. He offers to go fishing, watch shows and movies I like, do work with me and other things that may not be his favorite, but he knows they are mine. That's a great trait to have.
Since the building opened, he's been on the cleaning team, and at this point is in a lead role. I love watching the way he looks out for the people he works with and the care he puts into doing his job well.
To this day he lives up to his name. Nathan means gift. He was the perfect gift we needed in 1997, and continues to be a gift from God I could not imagine life without.
Buffalo Wild Wings would go out of business without him!
I have to admit, I've been trying to ignore the "Nate-sized" hole that is going to be left in my life this fall. He's been here, always here, since we brought him home from old Silver Cross in 1997.
This fall, trips to Menards will not be the same. I like to stop in knowing my kid will be there. I listen for his familiar footsteps in the morning. He is often the second one up, shortly after me. The basement will be a little quieter without a certain someone expressing resounding passion at a video game or scolding a coach or player on his favorite team. I still peek in his room at night to see him sound asleep.
Don't be surprised if my step loses some spring this fall. I love my kid. I'm going to miss his so much. He's going to be a million miles away. I'm just so glad in all of it he has the guts to chase down a dream.
Go Wildcats!
Texas Forever! Save me a seat Nate.