Birthday

It is difficult to imagine James being 14 years old. I think back to the first time I looked across a bus at him and saw his eyes smile back at me above a scarf carefully wrapped across his mouth. My heart jumped and I knew I was going to take him home.

And now he is here, just as adorable as ever. Bob was proud of the way he smiled broadly and shook the principals hand at the awards'ceremony last week at school.He received the certificate for Student of Merit for his Christian character and perseverence.

That same day the head coach at school asked if, since he will be 19 in his senior year and not permitted to play sports, and...since James has "the look" for football, could he move ahead a grade so he could play football as a senior.

Dad says, "No," and that it will give him the opportunity to concentrate on his academics and get scholarships that year. James as always is submisive and cheerful, looking forward to swimming, tennis, soccer and basketball. What a sporty school we have here, but what a wonderful group of godly coaches to speak into our children's lives.

James' family birthday party included an old Irish Rovers' CD Maggie brought along when she came. We have decided it will be a new family tradition at birthdays from now on. Recall the tune?

Let's take a look behind
And see what we can find.
Last year has gone for everyone
Passed with time.
What happened to us then
Can't happen once again
And what's now all to me?
History.

Years may come (Many years are still ahead)
Years may go (Many years have passed)
Some go fast (They belong to yesterday)
Some go slow (Still the memories last)
Some are good (Couldn't stop the laughter flowing)
Some are bad (Couldn't stop the tears)
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
Just be glad (Together through the years)

Whenever I review
The lovin' times with you
I wouldn't change a single page
We've lived through.
It wasn't always smooth
Sometimes we'd jump the groove
We've shed some tears and then
Loved again.

Years may come (Many years are still ahead)
Years may go (Many years have passed)
Some go fast (They belong to yesterday)
Some go slow (Still the memories last)
Some are good (Couldn't stop the laughter flowing)
Some are bad (Couldn't stop the tears)
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
Just be glad (Together through the years)

Heartaches I don't doubt
Life's sure to dish us out.
We'll beat the lot and that is what
Life's all about.
Whatever may come true
Ahead for me and you
Some day it all will be
Memories.

Years may come (Many years are still ahead)
Years may go (Many years have passed)
Some go fast (They belong to yesterday)
Some go slow (Still the memories last)
Some are good (Couldn't stop the laughter flowing)
Some are bad (Couldn't stop the tears)
For each one (Thank the Lord that we have been)
Just be glad (Together through the years