My son Jeffrey

     Today is Jeffrey's 26th Birthday. I wish to  pay tribute to him. The most important people I write my blogs for are my children (and their families). I also feel it's very important to stay in touch with our family and friends (and  I love to interact with them), and this is a wonderful way to do that! Since I do not live close by my children, I feel this avenue is an excellent way for me to express my thoughts and feelings to them, and to let them know what's going on in our lives. It's also a great way to share my life with them and help them learn and understand who their mother is (now seeing me from an adult's perspective). 

     I love the easy access to blogs and the fact that other family members and close friends can also share our lives and we can share theirs. I have learned SO MUCH about others by reading their blogs. If this tribute seems too personal for some of you, I understand. It's actually meant as a birthday gift - to publicly let Jeffrey know how special he is to me and what a wonderful son he is to me.

     I hope this doesn't come across as  bragging -  this isn't my intent whatsoever. I just wish to

highlight Jeffrey's  amazing and wonderful qualities and pay tribute to him publicly. I believe one of a mother's responsibilities is to help her child see the good in themselves, to help encourage, lift and build their sense of who they are, and their potential. So Jeffrey - this is a tribute to you!

     Most of you reading this know that we almost lost Jeffrey this past summer. He was in a kayaking accident and nearly drowned in the Snake River, even wearing a life jacket. When I was made aware of this incident, my whole being quaked, and my mind didn't really settle down until a  week later. I was up at nights, I was on my knees, I was SO GRATEFUL that the Lord spared his life and that there were no repercussions from this. I tell you this because I have seriously  pondered about my son Jeffrey's life and how much I love him and how PRECIOUS he is to me.  The thought of losing him stared me straight in the face.  I also  pondered about how others have lost sons and daughters (including my own mother) and how a loss like that affects you forever. And so my thoughts and feelings about Jeffrey are keen and sensitive and raw.

Why I'm so Grateful for my Son Jeffrey

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR OTHERS. Jeffrey treats everyone he meets as a friend. He is non-judgmental of others and respects others for who they are. When Jeffrey is around there is a spirit of goodwill, of friendship, of kindness and of charity. Thank you Jeffrey for your example of this. It's an amazing quality.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSITIVITY for others feelings. Jeffrey always knew when I was down. He could recognize it by just looking at me. His words "What's wrong mom?" would often accompany him coming over to give me an unsolicited back rub. His hands are so large and he has such strength that he really gives the best back rubs period! He always knew when I needed a lift and a boost and he was there to give it to me. This happened even when Jeffrey was in High School. It always was and still is very touching to me. 

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF ADVENTURE. He loves the outdoors and loves excitement. He has a love for nature and for the mountains. I don't think we will ever see him living in Ohio. He loves the Rockies too much. I love that he is in touch with the beautiful creations around him and thrives on being among them.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's CREATIVITY. I had school teachers tell me how creative he is. This is one of his talents and he is very gifted in this area. Whatever area Jeffrey works in, his creativity shows. I am usually in awe of  his gifts in this area. 

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF WHO HE IS. He is one to set goals and accomplish them. He is one to make plans for his life. He is one to financially plan, to physically plan, to spiritually plan, to academically plan. If he sets a goal to get straight A's, he does. If he sets a goal to lose so much weight, he does. 

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's LEADERSHIP skills. Jeffrey has incredible and amazing leadership skills. We as parents recognized this at a very young age. We would try to encourage him in his leadership skills. He would tell us "But Mom, I don't want to be a leader!". He has since lead in many areas including being an assistant to the president and branch president on his mission. He decided that one of the most important things to do for the youth of that branch was to have them experience going to the Manila, Philippines Temple so they could have the Spirit with them in abundance and to desire to return. He arranged that to happen, which took much planning, much sacrifice and much leadership.

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's HEART. He really cares about others. He has empathy and compassion and goodness within. He helps others readily. 

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF HUMOR. He is a lot of fun to be around. He gets that from his dad! He has an enthusiasm for life which is contagious.

I am SO GRATEFUL for  Jeffrey's LOYALTY. The loyalty he had for his friends in High School was unbelievable. His trait of loyalty will serve him well his whole life.

I am SO GRATEFUL that Jeffrey can recognize when he is not on the best path and decides to change towards a better way. This reminds me of President Oak's talk about  good, better and then best. He can change directions and go towards more light and goodness which I have seen him do many times. This seems to be the key to self-discipline, improvement and progression.

I am SO GRATEFUl for Jeffrey's DESIRE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT. I know at times other avenues look tempting, but he strives to stick to the straight and narrow path. 

I am SO GRATEFUL for Jeffrey's SENSE OF PRIORITIES.  After his mission, most Friday and Saturday nights were spent with his family. He said he just would rather spend time with his family than with anyone else. That warms a mother's heart!

If I were to describe Jeffrey in one word, I would use the word SUCCESSFUL. He keeps trying. When given hard blows, he gets back up and keeps running. He accomplishes what he makes up his mind to do. He works hard to make things happen, and he pays the price to accomplish what he sets out to accomplish. He has a drive and an energy that brings success.

I would also describe Jeffrey as COMPASSIONATE. He has kindness and love and sensitivity in his heart, and he is just so aware of those who need their hands to be lifted up and their hearts to be cheered and strengthened.

Jeffrey is also AUTHENTIC. He is who he is. He speaks his mind, he expresses his trials and his blessings, and  he recognizes God's hand in his life. He is always SINCERE and his comments are heartfelt.

William and I and our family are extremely blessed to have this valiant son in our midst. Happy Birthday Jeffrey! We love you PAST THE NUMBERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(See slide show  below of Jeffrey)