To John on his Birthday

Dear John,
Happy 31st birthday. Yesterday reminded me of the Christmas you were born. The sun was shining and it was cold. We celebrated with family which, of course I didn't get to do on December 25, 1980, because I was at Toledo Hospital. Your aunts and uncles were at Grandparent Stanfords house waiting for an update on your arrival, which of course they didn't get because you weren't delivered until well after midnight.

We thought of you often yesterday as Uncle John Stanford and Annal joined us in celebration. The highlight was having everyone together for dinner. Jessica got back from study abroad in Italy on Friday after being gone for 4 months and Micheal drove up from Bowling Green. AJ and your wonderful wife Jesi were here as well as the Chandlers.

 We got a new electric train for AJ. Two years ago he fell in love with Dad and Uncle Johns old broken Lionel train and I had to put it away for Christmas. I told him Santa took it with him to see if he could repair it and get it working. Often this past year AJ has inquired about the old train looking forward to seeing how Santa handled the repairs. He was delighted with the new result and since it is still the same gauge rail we can use many of the old cars.

As always John, we miss having you around. You and Annal would have had many more great times together. You would delight in seeing your son develop into the young man he is becoming. You would be proud of the job Jesi is doing with AJ, as well as in life without you. Today will be a long one for me but then I will jump back on the train of life and remember with a smile my first born.
Happy Birthday John.
Love Mom