A First Born…Nicholas Evan
Not to be outdone by his mother, my son decided to make his entrance into the world on the heels of my birthday. Nineteen years ago, I experienced…
Life interrupted!
And I have spent the better part of two decades trying to unravel this mystery named Nick. So in the vein of yesterday’s celebration of my 42 years, I want to dedicate this post to my eldest son and to some of the lesser known 19 wonderful legacies that he has scripted and is scripting onto the pages of humanity.
1. Nicholas (meaning “victorious people”) and Evan (meaning “young warrior”). His is a strong name…well fitting for this first born whose strong will was evident from day one.
2. Nicholas is a young man after God’s own heart. Nick accepted Christ when he was six years old and has been walking as his Father’s child ever since.
3. Nicholas has dreams of sitting behind the desk at the ESPN studio. By age three, Nick had mastered the television remote and would crawl downstairs before the rest of the world was awake to get his morning fix of sports’ statistics. (I’m not kidding!).
4. Like his mother, Nicholas bleeds Kentucky Wildcat blue. The lines are strongly divided in our house over the matter. Go UK! Boo Tarheels!
5. Nick is a big brother to three others. Big can sometimes mean annoying, but most days it means…loving, fun, playful, and protective. Colton, Jadon, and Amelia all have strong connections with their brother.
6. Nick is considerate…he holds doors, he says “thank-you” and “yes ma’am”, and he buys flowers for his mother.
7. Nick is conservative in life, but liberal in his expression.
8. Nick is quiet on the outside, deep on the inside.
9. Nick has made straight A’s his entire life, rarely cracking a book to do so!
10. Nick is singularly focused, but does so through a wide-angle lens.
11. Nick has a serious mind, tempered by a wild and wicked sense of humor.
12. Nick is handsome and filled with charm that oozes through his dimples. Watch out girls…
13. Nick has a business-like approach to life without denying the mysterious.
14. Nick possesses courage, tempered by his convictions.
15. Nick is loyal—a good friend to many…a best friend to a few.
16. Nick has the golden touch. He excels at life.
17. Nick is honest, with a conscience to match.
18. Nick loves his “paps” (i.e. my dad) and his “paps” loves him right back.
19. Did I mention that Nick is strong-willed? Yes…I think I did. He befits his name, and for every ounce of heartache that came to me because of that “will”…it has now produced a man who has consigned his “will” to the will of his Creator. Just as strong as it ever was, sanctified now toward all things sacred.
And one to grow on…
One of Nick’s recent favorite songs is a tune by Charlie Hall entitled “Marvelous Light”. Nick’s been running toward that “light” for 19 years. It’s been my joy and privilege as his mother to run alongside. So Nick…this one’s for you dear one. You are my heart! ~mom
One of my most poignant memories is of the time when Nick was about six and was helping me ‘babysit’ Colton, who was not a happy camper. (Colton never liked being apart from his mom.) Nick found his children’s Bible and, pulling up the small Amish rocker, read to Colton until he was calm. Even then he sensed, I think, the power of the Word to meet our needs. Thanks, Nick, for that life lesson.
Happy birthday, Nick. ~ Grams
This is a splendid tribute to an exceptionally fine young man whom we admire and love. Happy Birthday, Nick!
Love,
R. and B.
Gotta boost Nick’s numbers of comments! Nick, congrats on reaching your last year of being a teenager. I offered to do “Nineteen Things to Love About Nineteen Years of Nick” but your mom said most of them were garbage – too many inside jokes.
Ah well, being “in the loop” is certainly one of the joys of knowing you. Fill up the k-car and call me when you are ready to ride.
Love ~ ‘Sheeeed
PS ~ Tay’ will have to stay home, only All Stars get to roll with
Nwoo32!
Oh MY…double HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!! WOW!
First things first:
Happy Blessed birthday Nick! Thank you for allowing your “proud” mom to share you with us. Elaine, What a wonderful idea to honor your son and pay TRIBUTE to memories and him!
I just stopped over for a visit to thank you, Elaine, for coming over and encouraging me at my preliminary blog week! It was quite the honor! So I started reading more of your previous blogs because they really seem to burst forth with so much! I surely can see the 42 years that you say have been waiting for this moment. I thought you were a well-experienced writer and blogger!
I think I’ll return to reading more from you! Days ago, I was captivated by your two sons giving you away. Today, I read on Mary weeping and I could actually feel her heart, your heart and His Precious Heart for us! Thank you for sharing in WORDS that touch the inner core of us! May I follow in your steps and learn from you!
I guess you have a new “fan” and friend. Peace and love in Jesus, Peggy
Happy Birthday Nick! You are so blessed to have a Mother who is crazy about you! You have made her proud and that is quite an accomplishment for teenagers in this day and time!
Stay true to what she has taught you and what the Bible says and you will do alright!
God bless you,
Another Blogger Mother…..Marilyn in MS
what a beautiful child… and a beautiful tribute to a wonderful child….
He is loved….
Happy Birthday Nick and Elaine..
Connie
Oh my, that was very touching, and what an incredible young man you have! I LOVE what you have done for the past two days with the birthday posts, it gives such a clear glimpse into the lives (and love) of your family! I bet you all are having a fun weekend celebrating together! Enjoy….
Kelley
Reflections from a mother’s heart – absolutely beautiful. Your son is a treasure – taking after the heart of his mother, who takes after the heart of Christ. A precious legacy.
Blessings,
Joy
What a wonderful tribute to your son. He sounds as though he’s almost as special as his mom!
P.S. We’ll be leaving early tomorrow AM for KY! I should have lots of new pics to share with you.
Blessings!
Hi, first-time here. I have a 19 year-old son, too, so I enjoyed this a lot!