The Third Male

"To be a mother of a son is one of the most important things you can do to change the world.

Raise them to respect women, raise them to stand up for others, raise them to be kind."

Shannon L. Alder

My youngest of three sons was born on July 18, 1977. He was a sweet and gentle soul from the start. He loved the outdoors and anything to do with nature. In the fall of 8th grade, he secretly planted iris bulbs to surprise me in the spring on Mother's Day. He walked the earth lovingly barefoot and connected with trees, stars and the moon.

We lived out in the country, and at age 8 he would find branches from trees which he would carve into primitive bowls for me. This became a skill he mastered in high school. He made a rocking chair, coffee table, and China hutch for me and a hope chest. His numerous gardens thrived under his loving care.

Hiking, fishing, camping across the state, he had deep respect for the land. I nurtured him, but he unfolded into who he most needed to be. This gentle soul professionally succeeded, married his tender-hearted love, and brought two children into this world. I could not have loved him more.