Happy Birthday Matt...
As i am stuck upside down in a child's tube (you know the kind that has leg holes--like wearing underwear with a big tube attached to it) in the deep end of a friend's pool, Kicking my legs as hard as i can to try to turn over this is my brother's attempt to save my life...
Matt in a very calm, nonchalant manner sits down next to mom and says, "Mama, Erin's drowning. Mama, Erin's drowning. Mama, Mama, Mama, Erin's drowning...
"Mama, Mama..."
"What Matthew? i'm talking!" Mama exclaims frustratedly.
"Mama, Erin's drowning."
Splash. My mom, after i had held my breath for about 5 minutes (that may be a slight exaggeration) jumps into the water fully clothed to save my life.
To think without Matt's extreme concern i might not be here today to wish him a happy birthday.
( i know that story is much funnier in person but i hope you found it amusing).
MY favorite Matt story, however is from when he was about three or four years old (correct me if i'm wrong on that).
He was mad at Mom about something and if memory serves correctly it was that He didn't clean his room as he was told so Mom wouldn't let him watch Woody the Woodpecker. And the story begins...
"I'm going to tell Daddy!"Matt informs Mom indignantly.
"Go right ahead,"Mom answered thinking he meant he would do so when dad got home. So mom proceeds to check on me, cause i was a baby at the time (In case you were wondering I don't actually remember this event, but i do love hearing the story).
Anyway.
When Mom returns from my room she realizes Matt is missing. So she, being the good mother that she is, looks everywhere for him and then it dawns on her... He is on his way to tell dad that she won't let him watch Woody Woodpecker.
Immediately she calls daddy and tells him what's going on. He jumps in the car and starts to drive home from the church. Now there is a pretty major road between our house and the church and dad caught Matt right before he got to it.
Now imagine a little boy, 3 or 4, on a mission to "tell on his mom" getting caught in midflight by his dad.
Dad leans out the window and says "Whatcha doin?"
And Matt, looks in the backseat of dad's car, sees his raincoat and answers, "lookin for my raincoat."
I mean we always knew he was a bright one, especially when he started talking in full sentences at the ripe old age of 8months, but this just takes the cake. I didn't know little kids could think that fast.
Matt, i hope you have enjoyed the walk down memory lane. I love you very much and am so proud of the son, brother, husband and soon to be father that you are.
I thank the Lord for you, and for the relationship we now have. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. Celebrate it--spend time with Shannon and Avery.
I love you.
love your one and only sister who you are stuck with for life,
erin
