Tuesday, November 11, 2008

SUNSHINE

Today is the anniversary of the day a little ray of sunshine came into my life. Alex was born 11-11-81. I had tried very hard to become pregnant after Adam was born, but it just did not happen. Finally after surgery, and 2 different fertility drugs, I became pregnant with Alex. His delivery was so special. My doctor at the time was so cool...he let my sister and a good friend stand at the door of the delivery room to watch and cheer me on. Don was there. And we even taped it. I kept saying, "Someone give me my glasses so I can see!" He was such a beautiful baby, and from the very beginning his temperament was sweet. And has remained so. Alex started having headaches around age 5, and had serious vision problems which we attempted to correct with glasses. It wasn't until the 8th grade that we finally learned just what was causing all his physical problems.

But, I do not want to talk about that today. Today I want to talk about his sweet and kind spirit. He suffers daily, but remembers to remind me to stick to my diet! He hurts so terribly, but will kindly get up and come to the computer if he knows I am at an immmovable obstacle. If I am having a bad day, he will come and make sure I have all I need to make me comfortable. He remembers to tell me that I look nice when I leave the house. He treats Scooter with such love and tenderness. That dog would do anything for Alex. He loves him so. He makes sure Scooter never runs out of his favorite treats. He makes no demands. He kindly asks for help when needed. He has a quietness and gentleness about him that babies and little children are so drawn to. He is seldom loud, but loves to get into an occasional tussle with a brother or two. He is so knowledgeable about technology and such that many seek him out for information. His brothers will seek his computer advice often. Even though he is not out in the world very much, he is voracious in his quest for info on world events. He is the go-to guy for info on any world situation. He loves Fox news and Bill O'Reilly, and Shepherd Smith. He is a great fan of science fiction and loves manga...I'm not even sure I spelled that right...it is a type of Japanese animation. We watch Lost together every time it is on...he explains it to me. He sees the beauty in great art, and appreciates good literature. He never forgets Mother's Day or my birthday or Christmas. He has one of his 'elves' do his shopping and delivery. Then he keeps it hidden until just the right moment. He loved his grandma's tea cakes and black forest cakes, and he loves his granny's macaroni and cheese, and pound cakes. He adores his Aunt Joy, and is quick to say my friend Tina is really his friend.

Alex is sunshine to all who encounter him. He amazes us with his fortitude and inspires us with his attitude. He never complains or whines or says "why me?" He takes what has been given to him and gives back what he is able. He brings joy and comfort to me, and is able to say just the right thing when I am close to melting down over some silly something or other. He gives me strength. He models grace and humility. He has a forgiving spirit and is willing to give grace and show mercy to others. And he shows, more than most, what perseverance truly is. He never gets angry with God for his lot in life, but trusts Him fully and relies on Him daily. He prays for others as often as himself. He is a miracle that shows itself more with each passing day. He deserves happiness and joy. He defines patience and goodness. He is my boy...my sweet middle child. He is a man to be proud of.

You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When shies are grey.
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away.

18 comments:

Sharon said...

Good Morning,
When I looked on my site and saw that you posted, I read the title, I instantely began singing that song! You are his sunshine too!
What a beautiful story, Happy Birthday to your baby!
Hope you all have fun in all you do today and everyday!
God Bless
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Alex. May you have a wonderful day. You truly are a blessing to your mom.

windycorner said...

Alex is truly a well-loved son. Happy birthday, Alex. Hope your day is filled with sunshine.
Holley

Love Being A Nonny said...

Alex has a wonderful reason for being...it's so evident in this post! Happy Birthday, Alex.

andi said...

O what a very happy day for Sweet Alex!!!! Alex, I saved you and your mom (if you'll share) some cheesecake with strawberries on top in the fridge at school. She can bring it to you tomorrow. It got really tall and then collapsed in the middle. It tastes great though and I hope you'll enjoy it. The last one I made, I forgot the sugar.
Tonja, I loved this post. It brought tears to my eyes. Alex shows us a little more of Jesus here on Earth doesn't he?
We are so thankful for his life.

Sharon said...

God Bless America and our Troops
Sharon

Angela Baylis said...

Too bad you don't love your Alex! Haha... It sounds like he is a lot like his mother! What a great guy! Sunshine is what I need and I'm glad you have him in your life!
Much love,
Angie xoxo

Mindy said...

This was a beautiful tribute!

Leah Belle said...

how beautiful! may God bless you and Alex.

Jean said...

Tonja, you're an amazing mom; Alex, you're an amazing son. May God's richest blessings, mercy, and grace be poured out on you both.

Paula V said...

This is a very sweet tribute to Alex and his birthday.

Your a wonderful mom and he a wonderful son...

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Happy Birthday to Alex!

Thanks for stopping by to see me, Tonja. Yes, hasn't it been beautiful this fall. I just love all the color still going on right now. 119 is always a pretty drive, I love that road. Hope you had a good trip.

Jill said...

Happy Birthday to your wonderful son!

Carol said...

I sang 'You Are My Sunshine' all the time to my son when he was a baby. By the way, my son Bobby is the same age as Alex.
Carol

nancygrayce said...

Happy Birthday Alex! What a great son and a great mama!

Dianne said...

That's a SWEET post, Tonja, but I'd say that you both are equally blessed!

LivingTheLife said...

Happy Birthday to Alex...what an amazing young man he is...along with you as his amazing mom! I know all about the "sunshine" he brings to you...each day! You are both a blessing not only to each other...but to all of us who have grown to know and love you throughout the last couple of years.

I love that song...for so many reasons...but one in particular...it is my Darling DIL's favorite song...and one year for her birthday after she and our son had been dating a while he wanted to get her something special...he found a Beautiful wooden music box and he had them replace the music inside with the tune "you are my sunshine"...when she opened it and heard that song...she couldn't believe it...she still considers it one of her favorite gifts. I love gifts like that!

Blessings...and give Alex a sweet birthday hug from his mom's crazy Texas friend.

Teresa

Gail said...

I have a special "Sunshine" in my life, too. He is my five yr. old grandson, Bo. Bo, has autism. He is the love and joy of my life. Each day is so special with this child of God. I know most people feel sorry for us...but, if they only knew what joy this child has and shares! I guess most think of "Rain Man" when hearing the word. It's not so! Slowly with God's grace he is entering our world. I give thanks daily for all who work with this child! They are angels for sure! God Bless your Sunshine!!!