Ron, who is a husband and father of two, sent our son a framed copy of a quote by Abraham Lincoln, which by itself was a pretty awesome gift for a guy who loves history. But it was what Ron included in a card that deeply touched my heart. My husband's high school buddy gave our son $100 cash.
What 18 year old kid do you know who doesn't like cold, hard cash? Sah-sweet!
However, this bounty, wasn't for Nate to spend on himself, according to Ron's note, the money had one intention. Our son was required to spend that money creating a special time with his brothers. Ron also specified that this was BROTHER TIME, not mom time or dad time. I jokingly offered to hang out with them and Nathan quickly rebuffed that idea. You should have seen the excitement Aaron and Isaac had imagining doing some cool stuff with their oldest bro.
My son received many wonderful and generous gifts from family and friends. I do not want to minimize the kindness and love people poured into them, they are worthy of many blog posts separately. It's just that I had never heard of anyone, in particular, a guy, thinking about investing in brotherly memories.
The guys went a movie, Indiana Jones (which wasn't that great, btw) and out for lunch. Oh, how I would have loved being in a nearby table and watching my three ka-nuckle heads yukking it up. With the $100 my three sons went fishing and bowling. The guys went to Chick-Fil-A and grabbed some ice cream. As the day crept by when we were going to have to say goodbye to Nate, these moments became lasting treasures.
Forever, I shall remember Ron's generosity and creativity. I was as blessed as my boys and I didn't even have a handful of popcorn or a lick of that ice cream. I think it's every mother's dream to raise children who sincerely love each other and so far, that is proving true.
I've included a video of their bowling "match" and a few pics of the guys who were together days before Nate reported to the United States Military Academy and when they hung out as brothers on A-Day.
If you are ever in need of a special high school graduation gift, consider this one, folks!
8 comments:
How sweet!
Nate (my Nate) and his brother, Josh, have become extremely close over the past few years. I’m sure that you have seen me talk about Josh and his family on our blog and how much time we spend with them. I love to see them interact and love for my girls to see such a healthy sibling relationship. Sadly their mom passed away before she got to see them become so close. I know she watches them from heaven with their 4 little girls with a smile. I’m glad you get to see your boys’ close relationship in person.
This is indeed the best gift! What a cool idea! I love seeing brothers who love each other!!! It gives me hope! :)
OK, let me just say, that ROCKS!! =)
history nerd checking in here - what was the quote?
What a sweet, sweet gift!
It was the address before the Springfield Washingtonian Temperance Society, February 22, 1842.
The quote used begins with "When the conduct of men is designed... It's the entire paragraph, very cool.
You have a great friend who gives great gifts! I know I grew a lot closer to my brother when I was no longer able to see him as much-I bet that will happen with your boys, too. As for history...I'm glad Nate likes it. I liked history before West Point and loved it after-esp. military history!
Paul
What an incredible gift!!! I know that it meant a lot to your boys to spend that time together!! When does Nate head out or has he left already?
Regarding "History Nerds" question. Like most of the great minds of his day Mr. Lincoln was quite verbose. You really have to dig through the text to find the nuggets. Actually, I'm very impressed Cindy found the speech. A testament to the power of the internet. I found it on about page 300 of a 600 page book of personal letters and speeches 20 years ago. Initially I had little interest in a very early, very politically self serving long speech on morals and temperance. Still, earlier experience convinced me to read on. Suddenly, boom...there it was. Perhaps the best paragraph on negotiation and leadership I have ever read. I believed it and I know he did too. It really helped me define the man and many of the positions he took. I like to close my eyes and imagine those words running through President Lincoln's mind as he sat across the table from General Lee on that fateful day in 1865. It's why a section of a speech, taken completely out of context, is so appropriate to share with Cindy's son Nathan as he embraces the challenges that are West Point.
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