A Fabulous Find For A Friday----A Super Son

Once again, I won't reveal the year of the birth of my first son, Clayton. But on this day----a very long time ago----I gave birth to my little "old man".

Now, this isn't a story like that movie that we all enjoyed---you know the one. No, my little baby just happened to come out with long white hair all over his head---kind of like....well,....an old man.

I still remember the experience of this birth, as there was a particular nurse who got me through all the contractions. I always had long labors and this one wasn't an exception, as it was 16 hours long, but this nurse stayed by my side and acted as a coach for me through the whole thing.

Where was your husband, you might ask....well, again, he was asleep on the couch in the corner with his coat over his head, so as to not be disturbed. He wasn't really one for doing labor cheer-leading, as I mentioned before. (Let me clarify that this was my first husband, not the amazing one that I have now!)

But, Clayton came into the world---well, it seemed so----with a happy grin on his face. He was my little laid-back baby, the little brother to my two girls, and he started life just going where-ever anyone took him. He would let the girls dress him up, and involve him in their make-believe, and he took it in stride. He didn't complain as I shuffled him from one activity to another. He even adjusted as we had a different nanny each year. He took it in stride.

Another trait of his that was adorable, but kind of scary, was that he was always my social child. He would strike up conversations with complete strangers. I was always worried that he would just walk off with someone someday. He loved people. He was just that kind of kid.


He also has the brainy gene---he gets it from my Dad, his grandfather. So, he was always very smart---especially in math and science. And if you ever wanted anything added, subtracted, or multiplied, you didn't have to worry about finding a calculator to get the answer, just ask Clayton---he always had the answer----right after you asked it. When he was in Junior High, he used to walk over to the High School for his math classes. There was even a time when he was in the same math class as his older sister, Brinna. She didn't like that much, especially when Clayton was chosen to lead some of the kids in improving the grades in their group.

Clayton was also a very cuddly little boy. He loved to give big hugs and sloppy kisses and always called me "Momma". He was a talkative little thing and told stories and sang and always had lots of imagination as he played in his own little world.


We moved a lot, but Clayton seemed to fit right in no matter where we went. He made friends easily and didn't seem to worry about what others thought of him. In high school, he excelled in choir, (being chosen for the prestigious All-Eastern choir) science, math, (of course), drama, (being the lead in "To Kill A Mockingbird") and then found a new love---photography. He began taking pictures and a bit of his artistic side came out. (I was a bit worried that he didn't have a shred of me in him! Although there was the singing...)


And then.....after high school, and after not getting into his preferred college because of money issues, he decided to drop out a bit.

Out of life. He joined the world of internet gaming. (Ever heard about the game, Ever Quest?)

For about four years. Yep. That's what I said----four. He always had a part-time job, but that was about it.


We just kept him in our prayers and hoped that he would get back on track....



And one day, he did. He is now finishing his Junior Year at UMass Boston, and majoring in, well.....music, of course. He had always wanted to be an engineer, but his love of music took over. He wants to teach. He wants to lead a choir.

And he will be fantastic at it! He now has an amazing girlfriend, Meg,----who goes on diner discoveries with him. Check it out for the best in the Boston area here.
He is still singing, and I get to hear his beautiful voice every time he has a recital or comes to my church to sing. He now takes voice lessons from professors, instead of his Mom, so it helps to validate what I have been telling him all these years, and he in turn, teaches me things sometimes. He is also a super dancer now, doing swing dancing since high school----he started with his sister and now goes once a week with his girlfriend, and even takes lessons with her.
(Check out the video at the end!)

He also is a great brother to my little guy, Aydan. Clayton always takes time out of his busy schedule to take Aydan to the Science Museum (their favorite!) or to come and stay with him for a few days and just play games and video games together.

Look at that smile! He is 6 mo. old here. (and check out that long blonde hair--heh, heh)

Here he looks a bit worried with his sisters, Hailey and Brinna.

Two years old and still smiling.

He's 10 years old here and enjoying Scouts.

High school Prom when he was a senior----love the top hat and we found the tails at an
antique place at Brimfield

Playing the lead in "To Kill A Mockingbird"

My two boys...

Theres that smile again---but whats with the shaggy hair, dude?

Meg and Clayton.

A great video from last years birthday party----yes, we love to push back
the furniture and dance!

He is an amazing person, this son of mine. He and I love to have conversations about...well....just about anything---talking on the phone at least once a week, and I love just hanging out with him. He is still a very social person, and if you have ever met him, or have a chance to----you will feel like you have known him your whole life.

He's just that kind of guy. Happy Birthday, Bubba.