First, the Family Friday meme has a new home. You’ll find it here on Blogger.
This week, we take a break from reporting on those that have gone before. My thoughts are never very far from two men. I hold them close to my heart and keep them in my prayers these two are my sons. They are very different in some ways, and yet much alike in others. I especially remember their early days.
There are two photos that I particularly like. The first was taken near the barn on the place where we were living in 1971.
Bryant and Suzy Q
He had picked out this dog because her red matched his red. The smile tells you exactly the kind of youngster he was as does his attachment to Suzy Q.
Two years later, the dog was back with the original owners. We were living in Costa Rica. The language school that Sylvia and I were attending organized an outing–a visit to the dormant volcano Irazú. We went.
Scott is not happy sitting here by the volcano
It’s really not as bad as it looks. Later, it began putting out more steam. And we ran for the bus. Some of the students were trying to calm the driver while others were rounding up the rest of us. When we all got back and quickly boarded, the bus driver took off.
Just a few weeks earlier, an earthquake had done heavy damage in Managua, Nicaragua. Tremors were not uncommon and a few years earlier another “dormant” volcano had covered San José in volcanic ash. You can understand the driver’s anxiety.
While his older brother ended up in the business world, Scott became career military. He is now retired from the USAF. He stays active by teaching martial arts.
My strongest desire for my sons was to see them become men of integrity. They have done that and filled my heart with joy.
Sweet post, Chuck. I’m doing that myself these days–remembering days when the kids were younger and we were a family of four in the same house. I think the holidays do that to me.
I’m with the bus driver….I’d be FREAKING out!!
Thanks Lin. I miss the closeness that we used to enjoy on a daily basis. However, I’m also glad that we remain in close contact.
It was only a steamy mist . . . You do have to remember the context.
This is a nice post about your sons. Love the pics.
Do you have Twitter or FB? I try to Tweet your stuff sometimes and can never find a button. Is it me (not seeing it), or you not having/wanting one?
Thanks. They are my favorites of my sons from that period. 8)
I’m on Twitter @ SecRds and by my name on FB. Not having at this time. Thanks for mentioning it. 😀
Do you care if I Tweet your posts from time to time? Or you’d rather not. 🙂
I don’t mind either way…just checking to make sure.
Thanks for asking Rosey. It is okay to proceed. :up:
Very special family post!
Thanks. They’ve been in my thoughts quite a bit lately.
It’s amazing how those little guys turn into men! Love the pic of Bryant! I think Briana looks like him, and not just the red hair.
Briana does indeed look a lot like her father. I think her jaw line looks like her maternal grandmother, however.
I love today’s post Chuck. It is a blessing when our children are blessed by God too and it certainly sounds like your two boys were and are.
Thanks for sharing this today and now I want to know more about your travels with Sylvia and the family.
I hope you both have a marvelous day. Oh did I mention ya’ll have some great looking boys there! 🙂
Thanks Jackie. They are great guys! Perhaps I’ll have to post a bit more about some of our experiences. :think: We’ll see . . .
The kind of family story the outcome of which we live for. Good for you– and for the sons. :up:
Thanks friend. The Proverbs say, “A wise son makes his father glad.” I had my sons memorize that verse. 🙂 They, in an effort to please their father, made it so. :up: