Happy Birthday, Chris!

Although I don't have photos documenting your first steps,

your first day of school, your toothless grin, flying kites,

birthday parties or Christmas mornings . . . not even school graduation . . .

I do have a special memory of the first time you entered our front door,

when you brought our daughter home from a New Year's eve date.

Not many more times through that door -  

and you came in announcing, "Hi, I'm home!"

 

 

We enjoyed how you made yourself at home, almost moving in for a time . . .

at least for dinner and laundry . . . and

 appreciated this time of getting to know your free spirit . . .

pounding out a melody on the piano and singing Keith Green to your hearts content

or popping into the kitchen to check out the pot on the stove.

We knew the big question would be coming and it did.

 

Your wedding was a celebration of two dreams combined.

  There was no doubt that your passion to fly and her passion to teach

 would make a perfect combination

and your determination to make it all come together within a few years was astounding.

 

Chris, you had a dream and followed through.

Looking back over these years that have brought you to this day,

we are so proud of your accomplishments as a pilot and the relationships you built while overseas,

but most of all we thank God for the faithful, loving husband and father you are.

To see your commitment to your family and your love for God

 is what makes this day wonderfully complete!  

 

These days, continuing on with your fascination for things that fly,

your garage is beginning to get lined with remote planes built in your spare time,

as you assess what is to come.

We pray God will lead you as you make decisions for the future.

May your desires continue to fly near to the heart of God,

and be wonderfully realized as God's plan unfolds for you.

 

Happy 40th, Chris!

Love, Mom and Dad