Our Michael!
High School Graduation 2003!

You are our son - Our hope for tomorrow
You are a child that God allowed us to borrow
Born in August - Your arrival was a drama
We were so proud to become your papa and mama

You were so easy to care for - So quiet and sweet
You did things by the book - You made our life so complete
You were a baby with laughter - So simple to please
We treasured each day - We became parents with ease

Very quickly arrival of your brother was declared
You were forced to grow up - Toys had to be shared
The "suttebabber" put away - Learn drinking from a cup
You did everything in stride - Even when your crib was given up

Very seriously you took on the big brother role indeed
You anticipated everything that Jonathan would need
You became the big helper and a playmate, too
Quickly Jonathan learned to copy everything you would do

We adopted Tascha when you were barely two
She became your best friend as Jonathan grew
Ramsey was added just a year or so later
Now a family of seven - Life couldn't be greater

When you went to school at the age of five
We thought for a moment Jon wouldn't survive
Returning home you shared your wisdom with Jon
Once again we were amazed of the invisible bond

As your days in school grew harder and longer
The brotherhood you shared seemed only to get stronger
Sometimes you fought and competition was a concern
Being partners in crime -The moment rapidly would turn
You played sports, went to camps - Advanced quickly in scouting
We stood by the sidelines - Attended each outing
Your talents in school showed up rather fast
Each test that you took with flying colors you passed

You found football irresistible from a very young age
Although I must admit I hoped it was a stage
You always found courage and strength to fit in
You excelled in your studies - Played only to win

It must have been hard always moving around
Finding new friends each time we "settled" down
You have been with us to so many different places
We have so many memories - Remember all the friendly faces

You have given us no trouble worth mentioning here
You only improved - Grew smarter and brighter year after year
You continue to be hungry for knowledge and facts
Just as you constantly hunger after food and snacks

Your future is bright -The world is in your hands
We are so proud of the outcome of your plans
You have never disappointed us - (The exceptions are few!)
Raising you was an easy task - These words are true

We feel so blessed God gave us YOU for a son
You have given us so much - Your childhood is now done
We love you and wish you a life like no other
Deeply you will be missed by us - as you will by your brother