He's 36 which throws me for a bit of a loop because there's no way I'm old enough to have a son that old but ... I do.
He's had quite a year ... full of transitions, tragedy, accomplishments, frustrations and surprises but seems to have landed in a pretty sweet spot.
He was the recipient of a divorce, lost his best friend in a tragic accident, moved from his dream apartment to student housing, won scholarships, is perilously close to graduating with his Ph.D. and was surprised to find love.
That's a lot in a year.
Jeremy handled them with a grace and determination that leaves me proud though most likely view him as unconventional.
Three things left a big impression on me.
For a man who hasn't made his mind up on God he maintained a devote grace Priests and Preachers would kill for ... never turning to anger or hate but instead accepting and relying on those who love him ... which is one of the hardest things to do in life.
When his best friend Matthew Wilkerson was tragically killed driving home from work ... Jeremy exploded in grief and then pulled it all together to do the things Matt would have needed and wanted ... focusing on Jen and the kids ... helping with all of the details death brings ... and then delivering a eulogy Priests and Preachers would kill for ... and I know drew love and laughter from Matt.
And when Terenca showed up from the past in the wake of Matt's death, Jeremy embracing love, two little girls and making plans for a whole new life.
This year Jeremy will graduate from the University of Georgia, already his alma mater, and I'm looking forward to watching whatever that means.
Sarah's much bigger on birthday celebrations than I am ... to me it's just another day ... but I try to listen to her and understand what a blessing my son is to the world ... just like her little blessings ... so I'm mustering up all of my clerical best to wish you Happy Birthday Son.
You are loved beyond description.
Terenca and the rest of us will let you know that.
I love you.
Lots of people do.
