This is about my number one son. I want to say that I am proud of my son G. He had to go through some tough times during his teenage years. He grew through his rough, traumatic experiences into an upstanding family man. He has always been a hard worker. He delivered papers at 14 and 15, in the heat and in the ice and snow. When he was older he worked for me for a season, and then he worked at fast food and in several factories. He worked two jobs when he needed to do so. He was industrious and never missed work. He has a gregarious temperament and everyone likes to be around G. He has a very sharp mind and was always able to ace tests with very little study, even when it was a computer textbook! He is incisive and is able to weed through all the options quickly to get to the needed course of action. He smiles easily, yet takes things seriously. He listens more than he speaks, but when he speaks, it is with purpose, and with knowledge.
I am thankful that I was able to have a number of years with my sons G and N, playing racquetball, basketball, hiking, and even fishing a few times. We had access to a swimming pool for a season and got to spend a lot of play time around the pool. Sometimes G and his brother had too much fun around the pool when the old man was out of town, but what is past, is past. Lol
G was able to get an apprenticeship to learn electrician work. My memory is that I met an electrical contractor at one of my jobs, who gave me a name for G to call about the apprenticeship program. G may have another memory. Regardless, he completed the training and has been an electrician ever since. That had to be over fifteen years or so ago. He makes a decent wage and has been able to own several acres in the country where his wife, son and daughter can enjoy some peace and quiet after working all day. You could say he has come a long way since his teenage years.
G has also been able to do about anything in keeping his little farm operating. He knows how to do it, or he figures it out as he goes along. He and his wife keep the property looking like someone cares.
He married a beautiful part-Cherokee lady, who has given him a handsome son and a lovely daughter. His wife J is a hard worker just like her husband, taking care of a horse, and goats, chickens, and turkeys, among other farm animals. She has trained my grandchildren to help with all of these chores. They have provided a good steady home for their children, managing their finances well. G is very dedicated to his wife and kids making sure that they all spend time together as a family. Grandson C loves baseball and is very good at it. Granddaughter K is very social with her friends but very shy and quiet around family. K really shows the Cherokee gene in her facial features. She is a beautiful young lady. Both grandkids do very well with their studies in school and have many friends.
G still makes time to visit his old man several times each year, and these times are very special to me. His love and loyalty down through the years has given me joy. One of the best memories with G was on a visit to his place this past summer. He has a Harley Cycle that he bought many moons ago. He offered his bike to me saying, “Take the bike out for a ride Dad.”
I said that I was getting too old and my stiff joints make me a little leery of them anymore. I said, “I’ll let you take me for a ride though.” We jumped on the bike and he rode me around showing me different places around his area. It was the most loved that I have felt for a long time. This was very special to me G, you as my son proudly hauling his dad around on the back of his motorcycle. Perfect! (Motorcycle in Chichewa=Njinga ya moto=bicycle of fire)
I have three beautiful children and four beautiful grandchildren who have given my life much meaning and love. I give thanks to our God for this blessing.
Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers. Proverbs 17:6 NASB Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Psalms 127:3