A LABOR OF LOVE
On this day eighteen years ago, September 3, 1993, we were graced by God's love yet again. Our second gift was born – Benjamin Henry Crumpton. Our first gift, Rebecca Anne, was given to us on Thanksgiving. This gift was given to us on Labor day – because God has a sense of humor. He was going to show us through the raising of this amazing young man that love is a labor, something that you have to invest yourself in every single moment of every day. Love is a labor – but love is NEVER a burden.
Ben was born 8 lb 8 oz, and has always been a big guy – which is the reason I have always called him "Big Guy". When he was young he played flag football. He couldn't wait to play "real ball" when he could actually put on all the gear and not just the mouth guard. Because of his size, the coaches couldn't wait either. They had already nicknamed him Bulldozer. He finally got to play "real ball", but only played for two games of the season. Because of his size he played Center or Nose Guard. In the second game, he plowed over the kid in front of him – which is what he had trained to do in practice. The kid didn't get up. They had to help the kid off the field, and Ben never went back onto the field. Proof that his heart is the biggest part of him.
Ben has a unique personality – he is a perfect blend of his father and I. He has just enough of Scott's serious nature, and just enough of my trickster fun loving nature. Sometimes Scott looks at us when we get into one of our try to out-joke the other moods and just shakes his head - in exasperation. At other times, I look at Ben and Scott when they get into one of their serious computer/geek mode conversations and shake my head – in boredom.
He has been the creator of many of our family quotes – from "Oh look they have horseeee's!!!" (Ben's exclamation when passing a play ground), to "Ben, give me your shoe" (said to him by Rhett Stanley after Ben had a VERY blonde moment and we had threatened to make him walk home). There are way to many family quotes to label here – but know that each one brings a smile to our faces and a giggle to our lips.
When Ben was young he could give the BEST bear hug ever. As he has grown into his teen years he has reduced the amount of hugs he gives, but when he does they are still huge and amazing. You can still feel the heart of the hug, which is what I love. Also when he was young, everyone told me that his laugh was contagious. Maybe that's why he likes to be such a jokester – to see others laugh and smile.
One of Ben's passions is his Saxophone and the band at PH. He has been in the band since 9th grade. He is extremely excited about this years band show which has a pirate theme – and a sword fight scene. He's been talking about it for the entire summer – and I am excited that we got to see the performance this past Thursday. It was amazing!
As parents, you try to instill good manners in your children. Ben is a shining example of that. He is always prompt with using "sir" or "ma'am" when speaking to others. In this age when the majority of young adults prefer to use "yeah", "what", or even the dreaded "huh", it's neat to watch the reaction when he doesn’t use those. It's interesting because he wouldn't use ma'am with me, and I would constantly correct him. Finally one day I asked him why and explained how frustrating it was for me. He, in very Ben-style, explained "But mom, you're my mom – I can be me with you and let my guard down a little". I wasn't very happy with this explanation, but realized that he did in fact use "ma'am" with me when we were in front of others, so he was showing his respect for me when it truly mattered.
Ben was recently reminded of God's mercies when he totaled his RAV4. The board that came through the front of his windshield missed his head by scant inches. God has plans for you Benjamin, He has had those plans since He graced us with your presence 18 years ago. When you can't seem to find the path or feel that you have strayed from it, look to Him. He will make it visible.
As we did with Becca, we pray constantly that we are living up to the gifts that God has bestowed on us as parents with these two incredible young people. Becca has moved on to another phase of her life, but she will always be my Baby Girl. Ben is entering into his last year of high school, and making plans for college. He will always be my Big Guy.
We love you Ben and we are very proud of you.
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