Missing My Son On His Birthday

Having a son in the Navy is bittersweet. The pride felt by me and his family is undeniable. The challenges he is facing now are extreme and he has risen to them, and I truly believe that his future will be more secure and much brighter because of this period in his life. But, on days like today, its so hard not to be able to put my arms around him, to tell him how much I love him and how proud I am that he is growing into such a fine young man.

It seems so long ago that I knew where he was, what he was doing and that he was safe. Those were much simpler times for me.

Below are some pictures I wanted to share of Cades past on this...his 22nd birthday.




About 8 months old at Christmas



Monty and Cade at Reunion


Cade at about 8 yrs old and me


July 4th a few years back....had a little too much



Christmas 2007


Playing Santa on Christmas Eve 2007

Eating fried catfish at a family dinner in his honer

Christmas 2007

Graduation night with Meagan

Jeremiah, Cade & Meagan

Right after Graduation 2007



With Granmama



Cade and his Uncle Lanny (who also served in the Navy in the late 1950s)

Dancing with Emili (he felt like a lucky guy)



A couple of years of birthdays.



Reading a book at the Lakehouse (yep, I was so shocked I had to take a picture)

Happy to be home



Meagan and Cade on her bridal portrait day



In his tux.....he cleans up pretty good, huh!

Again in his tux with Meagan





In Cancun about to Parasail.....he was so excited and had a blast



On his ship during a drill

At home with boys....Ollie, Andy and Pog



With his three adoring aunts........ Cindi, Cheryl and Sandra

With Granmama again at her house in Midland.



With cousin Monty....such great friends

Cutting up onions Thanksgiving 2008....




And having dinner.

In Midland a few years back

Thanks for looking at a little bit of my life with my son. And Cade, if you are reading this, just know how much I miss you and I love you. Happy Birthday Son! Be Safe.