My middle child of my gas station Octane Trio, the one born in 1989, turns 35 today. He loves hunting, fishing, Nascar racing, and spending time with his family of 7, plus 3 labs. I’m proud of him – he makes good choices, and I was even fine with that mullet he had going on for a couple of years. He and his good buddy recently sent me the photo above, smiling and proud of the tickets they’d gotten for not having the proper number of life vests in their boat while they were out duck hunting (turns out they were warnings – which explains the smiles).
I asked him what he wanted for his birthday, and our conversation went something like this:
This got his attention. He knew I’d find a book about how salt marsh species cooperate to survive the harsh conditions of the marsh. I learned it throwing quadrants in the marsh when I took marine biology at University of South Carolina, where he also graduated years later. Spartina marsh grass survives in extreme salty conditions because the periwinkle shells attached to the base thrive on salt and take it in. In this way, both species can survive.
There is a story there for another time, but I guess he didn’t want to learn more about the marshgrass in his back yard. He replied, thoughtfully, moments later:
Since I haven’t physically seen him since Christmas and know my own battles with quick weight change, I asked about the size. I decided on the medium, but wanted him to know to be on the lookout for the gifts since sometimes with prankster kids (who learned it from him), a box might disappear off the front porch before anyone knew it was ever there. I put him on alert:
I am so proud of my son and wish him the happiest birthday ever. His family loves him too!
Birthday Surprise Haiku
he's getting a shirt
and a camouflaged fan cap
but not a surprise.
Common Threads 
Kim,
Why are adult male children so hard to by gifts for? Sounds as though you’re taking the utilitarian route, which I tend to do w/ my oldest son, too. My youngest has his birthday in early April, so I sent him an egg spinner to use to decorate eggs for Ezra. I also bought him fancy olive oil when we were traveling. He likes to cook and loves receiving food gifts.
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Thank you so much, Glenda! I know your son loves gifts that are fun for Ezra! I hadn’t thought of kitchen gifts and that would have been a good idea since they just remodeled their kitchen! I’m writing this in my notes so my forgetful mind will remember to circle back to the kitchen! Thanks again!
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Wow– they’ve had another one! I’m impressed he gets out of the house to go boating at all!
Love the text messages you’ve shared. They’re the perfect foundation for the rest of the post. It’s both hard to think of great gifts and to ask for them. Good for you for making him respond. The books sounded a little deep for a guy with 5 small kids. (or anyone!)
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Melanie, thank you! We do text randomly, which I love. Today’s text: Mom. Buy Dogecoin.
Days like this are just fun.
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Happiest birthday to Marshall! He’s one month and two days older than my oldest. What a great photo of him and his friend, and of his BEAUTIFUL family (I see little Kims everywhere!!). The text exchange is hilarious and sweet. I, for one, would love the book – this little bit you shared is fascinating. I know he’ll love his not-surprise gift; I, too, had rather get something my children want. You’ve given me an idea, though: my oldest is a graduate of NC State University, currently in the NCAA tournament. Especially if they should win…commemorative apparel! Your post is threaded through and through with great love – Marshall has the incredible gift of you being his mom.
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Thank you so much, Fran. Our kids and grandchildren are blessings from above, aren’t they? You are so fortunate to live right near yours and be a part of their lives each day/week. I wish I lived closer to my crew! Between my husband and me, we have 4 kids in 4 states…..(grandkids in 2 states)….so I am always thankful for time with them.
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This is so sweet! Happy birthday, Marshall! I love the way who describe him and the texts between you two – pure love.
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Thank you, Joanne! My favorite thing always is getting random texts when I least expect them. Today he texted: Mom. Buy Dogecoin.
He is a wealth of knowledge, this one.
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Sweet ode to your son! I laughed at “I was even fine with that mullet” – a mother’s unending love, for sure. What a beautiful family!! It is so challenging to fete our adult children, I think.
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Maureen, thank you. Yes, he keeps me laughing. Adult children are blessings.
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What a lovely post to celebrate your son on his birthday! I loved the threat of the boring book and his response.
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Thank you so much. I laughed when he gave me an idea really fast after the book idea that went over like a lead balloon.
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Aw, happy birthday to your son!
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Thank you!
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I love your post today and the insight to your texting. The family photo is also terrific and I’m sort of wowed. He has to be busy! What a blessing! Congratulations.
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Barb, thank you! They stay busy, that’s for sure!
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Oh, how did I miss this sweet post? I love the photos of your sons. Especially the one with his FIVE precious children and wife. Oh, my, of course you are proud of him! Wow. Fun text messages and birthday “surprises.”
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