Happy Birthday, Chad:

Today is my firstborn's 38th birthday.  So hard to believe so many years have gone by.  Chad was such a good baby.  Dwayne's grandma said we held him to much, he would be spoiled.  It didn't matter, Chad was happy whether he was held or not.  I think he was my easiest baby.
Chad always acted like a little grown-up.  When I look back, I think Dwayne and I expected too much of him, but he was always ready for whatever we had going.
One time we were camping and Chad was three and a half years old.  Him and Dwayne would go out and run the trot-lines around midnight.  I can't imagine taking Cash out in a boat in the dark.
When Todd was born, Chad was the protective brother, and still is.
Chad would help Dwayne with whatever chore needed done, and still does.
Chad was always loving and when he started school, he would run up to his friends and give them a hug.  Some didn't take to that and thought they were too old for hugs.  It was hard to tell Chad not to give hugs to everybody.
We left the boys with Dwayne's parents when Todd was quite small.  Dwayne told Chad to help Grandma Dodie with Todd.  He too it to heart.  He was so tired the next day.  Dodie said every time Todd woke up for a bottle, Chad would get up too.
Chad loved both Grandpas equally.  He would go with each one often.
In High School, Chad seemed to find friends that had not place to live.  Paul Bramel's Mom moved to CA and Paul didn't want to stay with the neighbors, so in he moved.  He drove each day to school in Newburg.   He is now a bus driver and personal trainer.  His cousin, TJ soon came to live with us too.  TJ now has a successful job contracting dump truck hauls.  We still keep in touch.  One other person, Jay Van Wort lived with us awhile.  We haven't heard from him.
As an adult, Chad still reaches out to others.  Our neighbor, Anna had some problems and couldn't keep her child.  Chad had temporary custody of Desmon for a couple years.  He still gets Desmon a couple weekends a month.  We always look forward to visits from Desmon.  He's always with us on Holidays or family events.
I'm very proud of Chad.  He is honest, a hard worker and a loving son.  Never does he leave without giving me a hug.
Chad just started a new job he loves.  He's a painter at S & T.

I am so grateful God gave us Chad as a son.