Today is Son#3's birthday - the last birthday our immediate family celebrates before Christmas. It's been a tradition in our family that we don't even start planning for Christmas until after October 27. Before that we're too busy celebrating birthdays.We had serious concerns the night before Son#3 was born as to whether he would be born alive. Scans had revealed that he did not appear to be growing as he should and heart traces showed something wrong with his heart. The preciousness of life was on all our minds (and hearts) as at the same time DH's twenty-one-year-old sister was dying of cancer. New life in the family seemed like a precious gift and when Son#3 was born alive at over eight pounds (so much for being small!) and without serious health issues (there was a small problem with his heart but it rarely caused him any trouble and has resolved now) it seemed like the Lord had sent us a gift at just the right time. Of course we consider all our sons to be gifts from the Lord, but given the circumstances it seemed appropriate to give Son#3 a name that reflected our feelings at the time.
Son#3 is nineteen today. Each year we remember not just his birthday but also his aunt that he never got to see. She died less than a month after he was born.
Yesterday we celebrated Son#3's birthday with family. We planned a family barbecue but when we woke it was pouring with rain. Still we managed to make it work and I think everyone had an enjoyable time.
Today Son#3 is studying. He's not thrilled at the idea especially since today is a Statutory Holiday and traditionally we've used the day to do something together as a family but with exams starting on Thursday he needs to spend as much time as possible with his head in his books. I hope he's at least chosen not to study his least favourite subjects today.
So ... Happy Birthday Son#3 and I hope you enjoy the day despite having to study.
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