Patrick's 23rd birthday!

Today is my baby boy's 23rd birthday! I woke up early this morning and was thinking about that early morning that I woke up 23 years ago. I remember driving up that hill to Baptist Medical Center Montclair and seeing all the Christmas trees, lit during that early morning drive to the hospital. I remember my nurse, how sweet she was and how she would brag to everyone, "This girl hasn't made one SOUND. One peep!" The reason???? I didn't feel a thing!!! That spinal worked wonders for me!!! I remember telling her, "I think the baby MIGHT be coming"! She took a look and squealed--"THE BABY IS CROWNING!" She rang up Dr. Parnell and he was eating LUNCH! She ALMOST delivered Patrick herself! HAHA! Lewis Patrick Fry weighed in at a whopping 9 pounds and 8 ounces! What a little doll he was !  And as he grew, so did that blonde , beautiful head of hair! It would turn WHITE in the summer! The only Blonde Child we  would have. NOW he shaves that beautiful thick head of hair and we ALL fuss at him---why would he shave such beautiful hair off????! I almost bought him shampoo to put in his goodie birthday bag and remembered---he doesn't NEED shampoo! I hope he'll GROW HIS HAIR back in 2007!!!!!!!!!!!......We are so thankful  that he is doing so well after his wreck  and he is only taking Advils now, no more pain medicines! HURRAH!.......He loved his gifts--especially his little scrapbook I made for him--he always appreciates everything I do for him like that. He's always so thankful and appreciative. That's why  I love to do things for him!! As he drove off, both Terry and I stood there and just watched. Watched until he turned the corner. Watched until we didn't see the car anymore. Neither of us wanted to move and we didn't for the longest time.  I think both of us had our hearts in our throats and yet, you finally have to let go. It's STILL hard for me to let "the baby boy" grow up.  And, now, everytime I think about him driving, I get nervous. I've got to let that fear go. I couldn't wait to see him  today and he wasn't here long at all  and a part of me was sad. I remember parties from years past and having Mimi and Daddy over to help celebrate. Seems like yesterday! Where have the last 23 years gone????? I just love him so much and amd so thankful that he is alive and well but I find it hard to let my youngest son grow up and away.  There are times I wish I could turn back the hands of time, but I know God has such a great future for Pat that I must trust him with Patrick's future and his life. I must put him BACK into the Hands that have held him all these years. But it's hard! (God, PLEASE continue to take care of my baby boy as he drives!).........HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PATRICK! I Love you  sooooo sooooooo much!

P.S. in case you couldn't tell ---PAT GOT SOME NEW WHEELS!!!!!!

P.P.S. Pat's cake is half and half! He loves yellow cake and WHITE icing. But, everyone else likes yellow cake and CHOCOLATE icing so I made it half and half! HAHAHAHAHAHA