I LOVE CHRISTMAS!! the countdown has begun, 34 days and counting. I love the Christmas / holiday season! I am not sure when we officially enter the "holiday season" but its here for sure. I looked out my window at work and today for the first time this year I see the holiday star thingy the city hangs on the street lights. So the holidays are upon us, its the magical time of year that for me ramps up to Christmas. On my drive home tonight I gave in and started listening to Christmas tunes. I figured if the city was ready to say its Christmas time who am I to deny it. I do have to admit that about a month ago I spent a day listening to Christmas tunes at work. I kept the iPod dock volume very low to not get caught by a coworker, but the guy who lives in the office next to mine busted me with a "is that Christmas music?!?" Sucks being caught when your doing something weird.
This time of year is so special, I love the Christmas trees, gifts, lights and all the other stuff that goes into Christmas. I love singing along to Christmas music who doesn't like White Christmas by Bing Crosby? Its a classic! My love for this season goes much deeper though. I remember all the Christmas's that have past. I remember the Christmas tree's that were so carefully decorated and all wrapped presents under the tree. I can remember the smell of the tree and the food my mother was cooking. What other time of year do people make candy and give it away as gifts. How could you not love that! I remember the people that we would spent time with at Christmas. It was the one time of the year when I would see all of my family.
Its funny when I think back I don't remember what the gifts were just that there were a lot of them. My family has always made a big deal out of Christmas. In thinking back I can remember my parents watching me and m little brother as we unwrapped our gifts. There was always a look of pride and love on their faces. When my kids came along I learned what my parents were feeling, it's so cool to watch your kids unwrap gifts! I wonder if this is what God feels when people "unwrap" the gift of salvation.
This season is about so much more then the trees, lights and gifts it's about the birth of Immanuel "God with us". This is the reason for Christmas to celebrate the birth of a Savior. The greatest gift my parents gave me was to teach me about Jesus. My parents ave lived their lives showing me what it means to follow God. I love the fact that I come from a strong christian home. I hope my kids see this in me. I want my kids to see me living my faith. I hope my kids see me when I pray and hear when I worship, I hope they know how much I love my creator.
I am so excited the holidays are here and once again I will be with my family and get to enjoy the Christmas tree and music. Presents will be given and received the house will be decorated and once again I will attempt to make Christmas candy. So far I have had no success with this, but I will try again it's Christmas how could I not. I hope everyone enjoys this season and remembers what it's all about.
~Rick
Random thoughts from a moron
Monday, November 21, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Deep....
I have yet to figure out what it is that get me thinking about things. It's like there is a switch in my brain that gets flipped on and my mind is off to the races. I can spend hours thinking about the weirdest stuff and not know why I started thinking about it. I hope this happens to everyone and I'm not a nut job. Today's thought started about work and pondering if I really am happy doing what I do. The thought grew as I let it expand until it became: Am I doing what I was created to do?
It's funny that a thought that started as, am I happy doing this job became the deepest spiritual thought that I have ever had. I don't know if I can ever really answer my question at least not on this side of heaven. I am guessing the answer I seek can only be given to me by the one who created me. This is the part where I am happy to say that I was created by a loving God who knows my name and is a part of every aspect of my life. There is no place I can go where He is not. But I will admit I have attempted to hide from my creator on several occasions. It has never worked....
As far as the job thing, I am not sure it really matters if I am super happy doing what I do, it's just a job and since this life is temporary I guess it will do for now. I do also know this I don't care if my headstone says I was a hard worker; I am striving for good husband and father.
So how do I find out or figure out if I am being what I was created to be? I pray...I do wish God would just send me a letter or email that says what He wants from me. It sure would make things easier! I don't think God's plan is to make my life easier, I think he wants me to struggle some with the tough questions. So my prayer has changed into a daily reminder that God created me and I am his to do with as He wishes. I think I am learning that it's not for me to know if I am being what God created me to be, but to be willing to follow where ever he leads. So I guess it's ok to not know all the answers....just be ready and willing to follow.
~Rick
It's funny that a thought that started as, am I happy doing this job became the deepest spiritual thought that I have ever had. I don't know if I can ever really answer my question at least not on this side of heaven. I am guessing the answer I seek can only be given to me by the one who created me. This is the part where I am happy to say that I was created by a loving God who knows my name and is a part of every aspect of my life. There is no place I can go where He is not. But I will admit I have attempted to hide from my creator on several occasions. It has never worked....
As far as the job thing, I am not sure it really matters if I am super happy doing what I do, it's just a job and since this life is temporary I guess it will do for now. I do also know this I don't care if my headstone says I was a hard worker; I am striving for good husband and father.
So how do I find out or figure out if I am being what I was created to be? I pray...I do wish God would just send me a letter or email that says what He wants from me. It sure would make things easier! I don't think God's plan is to make my life easier, I think he wants me to struggle some with the tough questions. So my prayer has changed into a daily reminder that God created me and I am his to do with as He wishes. I think I am learning that it's not for me to know if I am being what God created me to be, but to be willing to follow where ever he leads. So I guess it's ok to not know all the answers....just be ready and willing to follow.
~Rick
Friday, September 30, 2011
40 years of living
Today I celebrate 40 years of life. Not sure where all that time went, but it's gone. I decided a few weeks ago that I wanted to take my birthday off and spend the day going to places where I have a lot of memories. So that's what I have been up to today. I have been all over the Salem and Keizer areas looking at the places that hold so many dear memories.
I started this life at Salem General Hospital on Center St in Salem. It's great that where I took my first breath is now part of the state mental hospital. I find this kinda funny.... I drove around and looked at the schools I attended and let my mind get lost in the memories of days long gone. I remembered friends and teachers, playing on the playground and skipping school in high school (best 4 1/2 years of my life) the skipping did come with a cost! :)
I went and looked at the houses of grand parents, aunts & uncles. I saw the houses where we would get together as a family, share meals and good times. I went to the house where I learned to ride a bike. I remember my aunt baking in the kitchen and us kids playing in the yard. At each stop I would say a prayer of thanks for the people who God put in my life, the people who made me who I am.
My next stop was at another house, this one is the home of my God Parents also a aunt and uncle. I remember playing in the big back yard and many holidays spent in this house. I remember my cousin Donald taking me for rides on his motorcycle in a field close to the house. In this house I played Atari 2600 and had a blast with my cousins. This was also the place where the family gathered after the passing of my Grand Father. There are many great memories in this home, a few sad ones, it's a place where life has been lived.
I stopped by the places that are special to me because of the ties to me and Melissa. I stopped by the state capitol where we would walk around the park. It was here where we held hands for the first time (it was our fifth date). I stopped by Toy's R Us, the place I met Melissa. Yup all the magic started at Toy's R Us!! I spent some time at Corbin College which was Western Baptist College when I was dating one of it's students. There are many good memories if this place. I spent some time at Salem Alliance Church. I grew up in this church, 35 years and counting. In this church I was baptized with my mom, married to Melissa and my kids were dedicated to God. This church has been my church home, the men who have been it's pastor's are some of my spiritual hero's. Thanks to men of faith, who have taught me about Jesus and prayed with me in the times I needed prayer.
As I continued my trek it became very clear to me that this journey was not about seeing homes or places but was about remembering and honoring people. I am who I am today because a group of people loved me. They gave me guidance, wisdom and encouraged me along the way. Today I am me because they were each a piece of the fabric I am made from. With this in mind my trek took on a whole new significance, the new goal was to go to the places and give thanks. To say a blessing for the people attached to the place. The emotions was overwhelming each place lead me to another, there was no way I could get to every place or remember every person. I decided to grab some lunch and make a plan. So with my bacon double cheese burger from Five Guys, I planned out where to go next. Not to go off topic but that burger was amazing!!
I spent some time in front of Salem Hospital. This place has a few memories, both my kids were born here. This also is the place I would spend 18 days a year ago getting my guts re-engineered. It is because of the doctors and nurses that work in this place that I am still alive. I gave thanks for them, I prayed for the hospital and the people in it. I thanked God for my children! I will never forget the two times I would go into a O.R. and come out with a child. My kids are my life, I prayed God would give me wisdom to be the father they need and deserve.
I spent some time in a few other places and gave thanks for many people. In total I stopped at about 20 places and allowed myself some grace to know it was not possible to go to every place. In the end I would stop at Restlawn Cemetery where I placed roses on the graves of the family who have passed. I thanked God for them, and that I would see them again. This separation is only temporary. I am happy I come from a long line of Christians. My faith in part was learned from these people.
Rick
I started this life at Salem General Hospital on Center St in Salem. It's great that where I took my first breath is now part of the state mental hospital. I find this kinda funny.... I drove around and looked at the schools I attended and let my mind get lost in the memories of days long gone. I remembered friends and teachers, playing on the playground and skipping school in high school (best 4 1/2 years of my life) the skipping did come with a cost! :)
I went and looked at the houses of grand parents, aunts & uncles. I saw the houses where we would get together as a family, share meals and good times. I went to the house where I learned to ride a bike. I remember my aunt baking in the kitchen and us kids playing in the yard. At each stop I would say a prayer of thanks for the people who God put in my life, the people who made me who I am.
My next stop was at another house, this one is the home of my God Parents also a aunt and uncle. I remember playing in the big back yard and many holidays spent in this house. I remember my cousin Donald taking me for rides on his motorcycle in a field close to the house. In this house I played Atari 2600 and had a blast with my cousins. This was also the place where the family gathered after the passing of my Grand Father. There are many great memories in this home, a few sad ones, it's a place where life has been lived.
I stopped by the places that are special to me because of the ties to me and Melissa. I stopped by the state capitol where we would walk around the park. It was here where we held hands for the first time (it was our fifth date). I stopped by Toy's R Us, the place I met Melissa. Yup all the magic started at Toy's R Us!! I spent some time at Corbin College which was Western Baptist College when I was dating one of it's students. There are many good memories if this place. I spent some time at Salem Alliance Church. I grew up in this church, 35 years and counting. In this church I was baptized with my mom, married to Melissa and my kids were dedicated to God. This church has been my church home, the men who have been it's pastor's are some of my spiritual hero's. Thanks to men of faith, who have taught me about Jesus and prayed with me in the times I needed prayer.
As I continued my trek it became very clear to me that this journey was not about seeing homes or places but was about remembering and honoring people. I am who I am today because a group of people loved me. They gave me guidance, wisdom and encouraged me along the way. Today I am me because they were each a piece of the fabric I am made from. With this in mind my trek took on a whole new significance, the new goal was to go to the places and give thanks. To say a blessing for the people attached to the place. The emotions was overwhelming each place lead me to another, there was no way I could get to every place or remember every person. I decided to grab some lunch and make a plan. So with my bacon double cheese burger from Five Guys, I planned out where to go next. Not to go off topic but that burger was amazing!!
I spent some time in front of Salem Hospital. This place has a few memories, both my kids were born here. This also is the place I would spend 18 days a year ago getting my guts re-engineered. It is because of the doctors and nurses that work in this place that I am still alive. I gave thanks for them, I prayed for the hospital and the people in it. I thanked God for my children! I will never forget the two times I would go into a O.R. and come out with a child. My kids are my life, I prayed God would give me wisdom to be the father they need and deserve.
I spent some time in a few other places and gave thanks for many people. In total I stopped at about 20 places and allowed myself some grace to know it was not possible to go to every place. In the end I would stop at Restlawn Cemetery where I placed roses on the graves of the family who have passed. I thanked God for them, and that I would see them again. This separation is only temporary. I am happy I come from a long line of Christians. My faith in part was learned from these people.
Rick
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The table
It's funny how you can do things over and over again with out giving them much thought then for some reason you actually think about what your doing and it hits you how cool it is. Tonight I was up at my parents house where we enjoyed dinner as a family. For the past 35 years we have done this and I have given it little thought, but something tonight was different I had one of those deep moments where I thought about what was happening.
To say my mom enjoys cooking would be an understatement, mom loves cooking and loves even more entertaining people. A meal at mom's is always big, lots of different foods and the table must be set just so. Tonight we all dished up our food and sat around the table eating. Our family eating together is a normal thing we do it all the time, almost once a week we gather together and share a meal. Tonight I reflected on what has changed and what has stayed the same. Over the past 35 years who is at the table has changed the Great Grand Parents and Grand Parents have passed, but we have welcomed some new people to the table.
Melissa joined the family 20 years ago and claimed her spot at the table. Vince came along 16 years ago and Ananda joined the fun 3 years ago. Tonight was Ananda's first night at the table with out a high chair or booster seat, she thinks "big" kids don't need them. Both my kids have there places. I do miss the people that are no longer at the table, I miss hearing them talk as they eat and listening to the conversation. There will always be an empty place at the table for them, I know I will see them again and I hope we share another meal.
This old table has been the place for several great conversations. There is no better place to talk then at a table filled with food. The table has heard many great debates, when I was young and looking to spark a debate all I had to do was tell dad that I thought big corporate farms were good for America, or that the democrats had the right idea. Yup good times!! Not sure how many of the debates I won, but it was a good time.
Tonight the Garner clan was together, 3 generations all 7 of us around the table, nothing special or different, just together for a meal. After deeper reflection I take back the nothing special comment, it is special, while its normal for my family its very different from our culture. In an age when we hurry through life and don't take the time we should as a family I love the fact my family spends so much time together sharing meals. I know that as the years go by who is at the table will change, it's a part of life. I hope as the characters change the love never fades. My challenge to anyone who reads this silly blog....spend time with your family, share meals together, it strengthens the family.
As I write this the table is cleared off all the food put away, the chairs are pushed in the center piece is still there but everything else is removed. The table waits for the next time we gather together as a family and spend time together around it. I hope it's not too long until we share another meal and spend this precious time together. ~Rick
To say my mom enjoys cooking would be an understatement, mom loves cooking and loves even more entertaining people. A meal at mom's is always big, lots of different foods and the table must be set just so. Tonight we all dished up our food and sat around the table eating. Our family eating together is a normal thing we do it all the time, almost once a week we gather together and share a meal. Tonight I reflected on what has changed and what has stayed the same. Over the past 35 years who is at the table has changed the Great Grand Parents and Grand Parents have passed, but we have welcomed some new people to the table.
Melissa joined the family 20 years ago and claimed her spot at the table. Vince came along 16 years ago and Ananda joined the fun 3 years ago. Tonight was Ananda's first night at the table with out a high chair or booster seat, she thinks "big" kids don't need them. Both my kids have there places. I do miss the people that are no longer at the table, I miss hearing them talk as they eat and listening to the conversation. There will always be an empty place at the table for them, I know I will see them again and I hope we share another meal.
This old table has been the place for several great conversations. There is no better place to talk then at a table filled with food. The table has heard many great debates, when I was young and looking to spark a debate all I had to do was tell dad that I thought big corporate farms were good for America, or that the democrats had the right idea. Yup good times!! Not sure how many of the debates I won, but it was a good time.
Tonight the Garner clan was together, 3 generations all 7 of us around the table, nothing special or different, just together for a meal. After deeper reflection I take back the nothing special comment, it is special, while its normal for my family its very different from our culture. In an age when we hurry through life and don't take the time we should as a family I love the fact my family spends so much time together sharing meals. I know that as the years go by who is at the table will change, it's a part of life. I hope as the characters change the love never fades. My challenge to anyone who reads this silly blog....spend time with your family, share meals together, it strengthens the family.
As I write this the table is cleared off all the food put away, the chairs are pushed in the center piece is still there but everything else is removed. The table waits for the next time we gather together as a family and spend time together around it. I hope it's not too long until we share another meal and spend this precious time together. ~Rick
Monday, August 1, 2011
20 years
Wow, what a journey it has been ! I can't believe that Melissa and myself have been married for 20 years. July 20th 1991 what a day! I remember the fear like it was yesterday! As the church (Salem Alliance) filled up with family and friends I keep thinking, what the hell are you doing here?!? Then the pastor, Morris Dirks my high school pastor and good friend tapped me on the shoulder and said it's time for us to go up front and get this show on the road. Now the fear was really growing, my hands were shaking, mouth was dry and I thought I was going to explode.
After a few minutes my bride appeared at the back of the room, and with her father made her way down the isle. Then 17 minutes later after saying some words or something we were husband and wife. People stood, clapped and tossed stuff at us and wished us well.
During our premarital counseling Pastor Dirks gave us some great advise. The one thing that to this day stands out to me was when he asked me how long I thought it would take for me to be disappointed with my wife. I told him it might be months, or weeks but it would take some time. Rick with in the first 24 hours you will be disappointed, you will find things you don't like, there will be things that make you mad, or hurt. He gave Melissa even less time...Morris had been my pastor for along time and knew me well. His great wisdom... love is a verb, an action word not a feeling. Feelings come and go they change with the wind, but true love is a choice. Pastor Dirks told us both we daily would need to choose to love each other, even if we didn't really like each other.
So after 2 decades and some counseling along the way, we are still together. We still choose daily to remain faithful to each other and to honor our commitment. So it was fitting that we "celebrated" our 20 year anniversary working at a camp, doing a ministry. I believe with all my heart that when I took Melissa as my bride I did it not only in front of friends and family but also in the presence of the living God in his throne room. So with that in mind it was only fitting to be working for God on our anniversary.
So far with 20 years behind us we have created two great kids. Vincent Joseph 16 a junior at West Salem High and Ananda Kaylee 3 (daddy's princess). I love these kids more then anything, they are my world! I am so appreciative that I get to raise these kids, I know they belong to God and my time with them is borrowed and a gift. I had Psalms 127:3 tattooed on my right arm so I would never forget it: Son's are a heritage from the Lord, children are a gift from him. I hope I am the dad they need and deserve.
I just did the math I have been married to Melissa for 7311 days or 175,464 hours give or take a few. It's been a long, hard journey so far. Marriage is not an easy thing, and it's not for sissy's! I hope we have many years ahead of us as we continue to grow together and try to become what the other wants and needs. I pray some day I will be the husband my wife deserves. ~Rick
After a few minutes my bride appeared at the back of the room, and with her father made her way down the isle. Then 17 minutes later after saying some words or something we were husband and wife. People stood, clapped and tossed stuff at us and wished us well.
During our premarital counseling Pastor Dirks gave us some great advise. The one thing that to this day stands out to me was when he asked me how long I thought it would take for me to be disappointed with my wife. I told him it might be months, or weeks but it would take some time. Rick with in the first 24 hours you will be disappointed, you will find things you don't like, there will be things that make you mad, or hurt. He gave Melissa even less time...Morris had been my pastor for along time and knew me well. His great wisdom... love is a verb, an action word not a feeling. Feelings come and go they change with the wind, but true love is a choice. Pastor Dirks told us both we daily would need to choose to love each other, even if we didn't really like each other.
So after 2 decades and some counseling along the way, we are still together. We still choose daily to remain faithful to each other and to honor our commitment. So it was fitting that we "celebrated" our 20 year anniversary working at a camp, doing a ministry. I believe with all my heart that when I took Melissa as my bride I did it not only in front of friends and family but also in the presence of the living God in his throne room. So with that in mind it was only fitting to be working for God on our anniversary.
So far with 20 years behind us we have created two great kids. Vincent Joseph 16 a junior at West Salem High and Ananda Kaylee 3 (daddy's princess). I love these kids more then anything, they are my world! I am so appreciative that I get to raise these kids, I know they belong to God and my time with them is borrowed and a gift. I had Psalms 127:3 tattooed on my right arm so I would never forget it: Son's are a heritage from the Lord, children are a gift from him. I hope I am the dad they need and deserve.
I just did the math I have been married to Melissa for 7311 days or 175,464 hours give or take a few. It's been a long, hard journey so far. Marriage is not an easy thing, and it's not for sissy's! I hope we have many years ahead of us as we continue to grow together and try to become what the other wants and needs. I pray some day I will be the husband my wife deserves. ~Rick
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Growth and mountains
Growth hurts! It is painful to grow, and while growth is part of life it can suck! I think this is true on all parts of our lives. Weather growth is physical, mental or spiritual it can cause pain and discomfort. I am finding myself in a season of spiritual growth and am finding it uncomfortable. I am so wanting a time on the mountain a time when things are easy and faith is abundant. But instead I find myself in a valley looking up and asking questions. I have asked God to take me back to the mountain and let me rest. I know if it's God's will that's what will happen. Not much growth happens while on the mountains. I guess that's why there are no tall trees on the top of the mountain. I have a mountain climber friend who talks about how great it is to get up so high you are looking down on the trees and get to be above it all.
I have preached 2 sermons in my life. I won't say the name of the church to save them the embarrassment of having to admit I preached the message (twice). One of the my sermons was on staying up when you're knocked down. I am finding it hard to live the message. God does not want us to worry and we were created by God for God. That's just a small part of the message. That's the part I'm having troubles with. I know God is in control, there is no place I can go where He is not. But it's hard to live this. When life gets yucky, it's easy to want to take back the control that's not yours to begin with. I will continue to pray that God's will be done in my life. I am His creation; He has paid for me with blood. So while it would be great to live on the mountain for a while, to rest and take it easy, I know the true growth is being in the valley where I am now.
Rick
I have preached 2 sermons in my life. I won't say the name of the church to save them the embarrassment of having to admit I preached the message (twice). One of the my sermons was on staying up when you're knocked down. I am finding it hard to live the message. God does not want us to worry and we were created by God for God. That's just a small part of the message. That's the part I'm having troubles with. I know God is in control, there is no place I can go where He is not. But it's hard to live this. When life gets yucky, it's easy to want to take back the control that's not yours to begin with. I will continue to pray that God's will be done in my life. I am His creation; He has paid for me with blood. So while it would be great to live on the mountain for a while, to rest and take it easy, I know the true growth is being in the valley where I am now.
Rick
Sunday, June 26, 2011
June 24th 1995
As I walked through the doors into Salem Hospital I was as nervous as I had ever been in my life. I kept thinking to myself, this is crazy my whole life is about to change. I don't know how to be a father, and at some point today I will become a dad. Maybe the doctor was wrong, maybe today isn't the day. But we were there as scheduled by the doctor. It was time to induce labor, Doc says the boy's got to come out and today is the day.
So in we go, Melissa is put in a bed and hooked up to the liquid that will induce labor. Me I just pace around the room trying not to freek out and wanting to be supportive. The first hour passes with minimal issues, but the promised labor is not happening. Hours two and three go by slow as well, still nothing. Melissa is slowly becoming less fun to be around, she isn't laughing at my jokes any more. She seams to be getting more serious about this child bearing thing. Hours four through six are painfully boring for me and At this time Melissa is really not fun to be around, The magic drugs are working some but not enough to really get the ball rolling. More hours slowly, painfully go by, things are not working as they should. The nurses are in and out checking things, making sure mom and baby are doing ok. At one point the doctor comes in the room with a plastic hook thingy and hands it to me "hold on to this, you will need it soon". I ask "what is this thing"? the reply "it's the tool your going to use to break the water and get this party going" "Ummm NO" I don't think that's a good plan. It turned out after an exam things were going any where our doctor called for a consult and it was decided that a C section was needed to get Vincent out. At this point Melissa had been in labor for about 11 hours with nothing really moving along.
So within a few minutes of the decision to do the cesarean Melissa was wheeled out of the room and I was left alone. After a few moments a nurse came in the room with a pair of scrubs for me to wear. I changed and the nurse had me sit in a wheel chair. I protested and said I could walk just fine. She informed me that she was not allowing me in the ER and having me pass out, sit down! I follow her directive and she wheels me into the ER. If I was nervous walking into the hospital, I am now in full on panic mode. The surgeon tells us, all will be fine, it wont be long now. With in 15 minutes, I hear the nurses and surgeon and our family doctor saying how good he looks and he has red hair. My son, they are talking about my son, fear is now replaced with and intense longing....I want my boy! They hold him up so I can see him, YUCKY! OK, I want him after you clean him off. I hear him crying, that's a good thing! The surgeon says all went well everything will be fine.
Finally after what felt like an eternity a nurse hands me my son. I cradle this small child in my hands, holding him so Melissa in her drug induced state can see her son. I never wanted to let go. This is my child, a part of me and part of his mother. The nurse says she needs to take Vincent for some standard tests and then we can have him back. It felt like I had only held my boy for a few seconds but it had been 20 minutes. I had the boy over and go with the nurse to get the official measurements. During this process my mom would first see her first grand child. As I looking Vincent over good counting fingers and toes, every thing seams perfect, his right thumb is normal that bums me out.
After all the tests were done we were moved into a room where we could be together and have family come see us. After several family members stopped by to say hi and congratulate us, it was just the three of us. I sat for hours holding my son, feeling like this was why I was created. This was one of the most special times in my life. I write this to share my story with anyone who would want to read it. I write it because Vincent turned 16 two days ago. June 24th 1995 my son Vincent Joseph Garner was born and radically changed my life. I love this boy very much, he is my son! I strive to be a good father, to teach him what is true. To help him grow in his faith, as he becomes a Godly man. I can't believe he's 16 already, those year flew by.
Father God, thank you for blessing me with a son. I will try to be worthy of this blessing. And to my wife Melissa sorry for all the times in the hospital when I pushed the button on your PSA pump so I could laugh as you got all drugged up. I was fun to watch!!
And just a FYI...Vince is doing great, he is working this summer for the YMCA at a summer camp and is having fun. He is growing fast into a Godly man. I pray today as I did the day he was born for the girl he will eventually marry. I pray that God protects her and keeps her safe and that she will grow into the Godly woman who will one day marry my son.
So in we go, Melissa is put in a bed and hooked up to the liquid that will induce labor. Me I just pace around the room trying not to freek out and wanting to be supportive. The first hour passes with minimal issues, but the promised labor is not happening. Hours two and three go by slow as well, still nothing. Melissa is slowly becoming less fun to be around, she isn't laughing at my jokes any more. She seams to be getting more serious about this child bearing thing. Hours four through six are painfully boring for me and At this time Melissa is really not fun to be around, The magic drugs are working some but not enough to really get the ball rolling. More hours slowly, painfully go by, things are not working as they should. The nurses are in and out checking things, making sure mom and baby are doing ok. At one point the doctor comes in the room with a plastic hook thingy and hands it to me "hold on to this, you will need it soon". I ask "what is this thing"? the reply "it's the tool your going to use to break the water and get this party going" "Ummm NO" I don't think that's a good plan. It turned out after an exam things were going any where our doctor called for a consult and it was decided that a C section was needed to get Vincent out. At this point Melissa had been in labor for about 11 hours with nothing really moving along.
So within a few minutes of the decision to do the cesarean Melissa was wheeled out of the room and I was left alone. After a few moments a nurse came in the room with a pair of scrubs for me to wear. I changed and the nurse had me sit in a wheel chair. I protested and said I could walk just fine. She informed me that she was not allowing me in the ER and having me pass out, sit down! I follow her directive and she wheels me into the ER. If I was nervous walking into the hospital, I am now in full on panic mode. The surgeon tells us, all will be fine, it wont be long now. With in 15 minutes, I hear the nurses and surgeon and our family doctor saying how good he looks and he has red hair. My son, they are talking about my son, fear is now replaced with and intense longing....I want my boy! They hold him up so I can see him, YUCKY! OK, I want him after you clean him off. I hear him crying, that's a good thing! The surgeon says all went well everything will be fine.
Finally after what felt like an eternity a nurse hands me my son. I cradle this small child in my hands, holding him so Melissa in her drug induced state can see her son. I never wanted to let go. This is my child, a part of me and part of his mother. The nurse says she needs to take Vincent for some standard tests and then we can have him back. It felt like I had only held my boy for a few seconds but it had been 20 minutes. I had the boy over and go with the nurse to get the official measurements. During this process my mom would first see her first grand child. As I looking Vincent over good counting fingers and toes, every thing seams perfect, his right thumb is normal that bums me out.
After all the tests were done we were moved into a room where we could be together and have family come see us. After several family members stopped by to say hi and congratulate us, it was just the three of us. I sat for hours holding my son, feeling like this was why I was created. This was one of the most special times in my life. I write this to share my story with anyone who would want to read it. I write it because Vincent turned 16 two days ago. June 24th 1995 my son Vincent Joseph Garner was born and radically changed my life. I love this boy very much, he is my son! I strive to be a good father, to teach him what is true. To help him grow in his faith, as he becomes a Godly man. I can't believe he's 16 already, those year flew by.
Father God, thank you for blessing me with a son. I will try to be worthy of this blessing. And to my wife Melissa sorry for all the times in the hospital when I pushed the button on your PSA pump so I could laugh as you got all drugged up. I was fun to watch!!
And just a FYI...Vince is doing great, he is working this summer for the YMCA at a summer camp and is having fun. He is growing fast into a Godly man. I pray today as I did the day he was born for the girl he will eventually marry. I pray that God protects her and keeps her safe and that she will grow into the Godly woman who will one day marry my son.
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