Each year, I come back to this place (although it's really changed since a year ago) to honor our son. He was born 32 years ago today, but never got to be older than 17. He died on the way to have his senior pictures taken, when the car he was driving and a propane truck collided on a blind country intersection.
So - because he loved parties - I come back here on his birthday to invite you all to a "board party." Here's what we'll do this year (and I sincerely apologize to those whose infants didn't have time to have favorites): Like the song, "My Favorite Things", list some of the favorite things of your child.
Here are Jay D's. Star Trek, legos, acting, singing, dressing oddly, being quiet, being observant, friends, macaroni and cheese, being humorous, among many others.
He was always our "quiet" child. He could occupy himself for hours on end, even if his brother and sister were jabbering continuously. I remember one time in the car, everybody except him was talking simultaneously. Suddenly, we all heard his quiet voice say, "There are 32 shades of green out there." Of course we all looked at him as though we'd been jolted.
Another time on a very long car trip when he was about 12, everybody wanted to stop to eat. I read a sign outloud that said, "Stuart, 21 miles." From the back of the car came his quiet voice: "Please don't say 'stew' to a hungry man."
He began gathering friends when he was only 3 years old. Anytime we went somewhere, there were always kids that would say, "Hi, Jay D." and come up to talk to him. I don't think he ever turned friendship down, nor do I believe he ever forgot any of his friends.
We all still miss him so much.
Jane
Topic: Another Birthday! Another party here! (Read 4481 times)
