About Me

My photo
Douglas, Alaska, United States
I have lived in Alaska since 1978, having come to Juneau as a Jesuit Volunteer. I fell in love with Alaska and now live on Douglas Island with my husband and two dogs.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Nineteen

My youngest child, my only son, my baby, turned 19 on April 12.

He arrived nineteen years ago on Palm Sunday.

He was 9 lbs, 4 oz. and 19 inches long.

He gazed at the world in wonder when he was born.

He grew in wisdom and grace.


Getting ready to walk (he walked at 8 months)


Playing with his big sister Phoebe


Talking with Marta, a friend visiting from Guatemala
(note, in the background, the busted-out screen. 
He and his friends thought it was easier than opening the door.)


At his cowboy birthday party (it was a rootin', tootin' good time)


Always up for a good read
Who was our laundress back then? (...oh, yes, it was me)


Looking very urbane at his First Communion
(Bond, James Bond)


Looking professorial in his new glasses



Always ready for an adventure
(usually this involved exotic trips to garage sales in search of G.I. Joes)


Helping Charles paint a mural at a local middle school


At ten, already a world traveler
(he went to France with Charles to a family wedding)


In 19 years, we went from this


to this.

Happy Birthday Miguel!







8 comments:

  1. Oh Paula, I got all teary eyed reading this. I don't want my babies to grow up.... :'(

    Happy birthday, Miguel!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Linda sez: "I know; I tell every woman I meet, 'Enjoy them now, they'll be 20-somethings before you know it!'"

    Great pix, esp. the first communion photo!

    ReplyDelete
  3. @dweej: Every stage has its beauties, even the teen years, which I am facing now with our oldest. It is beautiful to see their lives unfold and eventually, to launch them into the world. God is good.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful, Have a Happy Birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I LOVE seeing a record of people growing up. The sands of time are a magical thing indeed. Happy birthday to your boy. x

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is such a timely post for me. I've written today about my worries about my boys growing up - and here is your son doing a wonderful job of it. Happy birthday to both of you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment on my blog!!! Happy Birthday to your son, and best wishes for wonderful Easter filled with peace and love.
    Chris :o) Your Alaskan Neighbor

    ReplyDelete

I love to receive comments - please tell me what you think!