Alex turns 20!

Alex.
His birthday was last Thursday.
I gathered some old pictures of when he was young and had hoped to add them to this blog.
But it seems that there just isn't enough time for such things lately.

We did manage to have a small celebration for Alex on the 4th of August.  And I snapped a quick picture of him and Baby Gabe.

He is a good Uncle and I enjoy watching him interact with a newborn.
It doesn't seem possible that 20 years have passed since Alex was a newborn.

Some of the things I appreciate about Alex are
he is a sensitive soul.
He is self assured.
and he is insightful when it comes to people and situations.

He is a free spirit and will be himself regardless of what people think and without regard to ridicule.

Papo gave him a Kansas Food Bank Trucker style hat.
Alex was honored to wear it regardless of fashion or style and he did so even during Tennis matches.

I heard the opposing teams comments and jeers, but he continued to wear it proudly.

I don't think many other teens would do so.

I have traveled with Alex on a number of occasions.
He is a great traveling companion.
One of the more fun trips was to Chicago.
But who wouldn't have fun sitting front row, right field side, having a soda/beer and a dog at Wrigley Field.

Alex certainly knows how to have fun and he can liven things up for most any event; family, friends, and even team sports.

Sometimes he struggles with knowing when to settle down and be more serious, but when push comes to shove I know I can count on him to be there.

For example...
The four months we were in Nebraska before moving to Oregon while I was acting as single parents, working full time, doing household repairs, sorting and tossing, prior to packing...

Alex was there for me.
He was only 15 years old, but he stepped up and was a great source of support.

And when I had to drive to Kansas when my dad was sick, Alex went with me.  His love, care, support, and humor made a very difficult time bearable. 

He takes instruction and criticism well.

And he is patient with me as I guide him in taking pictures of me,
working to get just the right composition.

And while as any teen or young adult might,
he has his moments when he is absent,
doesn't let me know where he is,
or makes minor mistakes that take us to court.

But in the end he is a terrific brother,
uncle, cousin, grandson, and friend.

And I think he is an awesome son!


I love you, Big Al!









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