Today my youngest son, the “baby” of the family is turning 22. I wanted to share the post that I wrote last year for his 21st birthday. Happy Birthday Zach! Wow! How did this happen? It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital getting induced, and 28 hours later Zachary Gene came into the world. And he came into the world with a vengeance. 10 lbs, 10 oz, and 22″ long. He set a record at the hospital for a while. A beautiful bouncing baby boy. Jet black hair, a broken collar-bone, and blue, blue eyes.
Zach and I went home from the hospital on the 4th of July. I had gone into hospital on the 2nd, and was determined not to be in the hospital for the holiday. I wanted to see the family, and introduce Zach to his brother and sisters. We’re now a family with four kids, and Zach’s name started with Z for a reason. He was the last one.
Zach was the mellowest baby of all of my kids. A very laid back California guy. I remember before he went to kindergarten I had let the back of his hair grow almost to his shoulders. He really looked like a little surfer dude then.
My sons’ had some life experiences that you wouldn’t wish on anyone. Diabetes at age 6, leukemia at age 9, philosopher of life at age 10. Zach’s perspective on life after SURVIVING his battle with leukemia is something that sets him apart from his siblings. He’s thought about dying, he’s had to learn to accept his diabetes, but he’s a survivor. A survivor that has a unique perspective on life.
Zach’s very creative; artist, photographer, singer, actor. He pursued all of these activities in high school. It took a little while for him to find himself, but he did. Two of my favorite moments when Zach was a senior in high school were; watching him perform the role of Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Outstanding performances, unforgettable. The second moment was when he sang Tim McGraw’s song, “Live Like you Were Dying” at a choir performance. There was a moment when he looked directly at me. A moment in time that I can recall in the blink of an eye.
We’ll be celebrating Zach’s birthday with family tomorrow on the 4th. We’ve done that a lot on his birthday. For quite a few years he thought his birthday was on the 4th, the fireworks were for him.
For this Mom, I’m celebrating the fact that my sons’ health is in good order. I’m usually reflecting on that fact around his birthday time. It soothes my soul to know he’s ok. Happy Birthday to my son, I just can’t believe your 21.
Update: This post has been linked to the Grand Social linky. Check it out!