18 Years Ago

18 Years Ago

It doesn’t seem like it was 18 years ago when we were awaiting the arrival of our 6th grandbaby.  I remember walking from the waiting room to the nursery with our 2 year old granddaughter and as we looked at the babies, Alexandra would ask if that was her baby brother. Every time we walked passed the window, she would ask the same thing.

Finally I was able to say, “Yes that’s your baby brother!”  Zachary was born on July 21, 1998 and of course we fell in love with him instantly.  I love how Alexandra is pointing at Zac and she kept asking over and over if this was her baby brother.

Zachary started working with us immediately  and was always ready to help out.  From the time he was a few years old, he would sit on the work table and help papa cut and cover boards for window treatments then put eye screws in them for the draperies.

Have you ever seen anyone so adorable?  Okay, you know gramma has to brag!  When Zac was 5 years old, he took gymnastic lessons and for the recital he was the hit of the show, he did headstands and spun around on his head!  He was the only boy in the class and he was really excited about pink hair at first, but that changed when he heard all the applause for him.

When he stayed over at our house, it was the same thing as at work, he was ready to help papa in the yard.  He was always ready to please everyone.  When he was about 11 years old, his family relocated to Indiana from North Carolina and we traveled up to see the grands numerous times a year.

One Christmas I wrapped up his favorite spoon he used to make his “little noodles” (Ramon noodles) when he stayed with us and you would have thought he opened a box with a million dollars. He was so excited to get his spoon!

Zac and papa’s birthdays are only 10 days apart so celebrating them together was always fun.

Zachary has always excelled in everything he did, he’s a great artist, a fantastic auto mechanic and a very a super waiter.  The past year has been challenging for Zac, he completed his senior year without any parental guidance and even held down a full time job.

When hubby and I plus his older sister arrived for his high school graduation, he was so excited to see Alex since it had been almost a year since they saw each other.

He was even more excited the other day when he called to let us know he had saved enough money to purchase a car and pay the insurance without any help.  His “new” car is a 2002 Grand Am and in perfect condition!  It’s too bad his other grandparents aren’t in his life, they don’t know what they are missing by not seeing what a terrific grandson he is.

Zachary continues to walk down the path to success and with his drive and ambition, he will succeed and can be proud it did it on his own.  “Papa” and I are so proud of our 18 year old grandson and wish him the best birthday ever.  Happy Birthday Zachary, papa and I love you and are so proud of you. We will ALWAYS be here for you!