The Birthday Guy

~wedding photo by LVL Photography


This is Jonathan a few birthdays ago, and the striking young man pictured here is Jonathan as well at nearly age 15. In one picture, Jonathan was considerably shorter than I am. In the other picture--and he's grown since then--he's several inches taller (a good thing). In honor of Jonathan and his birthday, here are a few interesting things about him:

~Jonathan's birth date is surrounded by some very interesting events. He was actually born ten days past his due date. Every day that he was late, I would pray, "Please, God, let him come today," except for one--October 31. On that day, I said, "God, he's already this late. Let's hold off for Halloween." I didn't like the looks of a future of juggling trick or treat and happy birthday. And Jonathan--ever cooperative and fairly inattentive to time--held off till November 3 at 1:23 am, lover of order that he is. Another significant event is Reformation Day, also on October 31. So while our thoughts turn to Martin Luther, John Calvin, and the blessings of the Reformation, those thoughts are quickly followed by thoughts of Jonathan's birthday. And, of course, election day sometimes falls on Jonathan's birthday. Interestingly, Jonathan has a great interest in candy, history, and politics, maybe because of the timing of his birth?

~Jonathan's favorite food is a cheeseburger (plain), his favorite candy is Butterfingers, and his favorite color is green. His favorite fast food, however, is not a place where he can get his favorite food. When Jonathan and his grandpa (one of his favorite people) need a junk food fix, they head south of the border--Taco Bell.

~Jonathan's favorite activities involve electronics--mainly his grandparents' Wii and things computer related.

~Jonathan has definite right-wing leanings, politically speaking. If he were old enough to vote, he'd be voting for McCain/Palin. Along with his favorite political commentator, Rush Limbaugh, Jonathan frequently asks questions like, "Why would anyone want to raise taxes?" He is often listening to Hannity's radio program while doing his homework when I arrive home from work. He also wonders how anyone could be supportive of a candidate who promotes abortion rights. Me too.

~Jonathan's favorite subjects in school are history and Bible history. Name an obscure Old Testament personality or event, and he'll tell you all about it. He can also converse at length on World War II.

~Jonathan's favorite movies are the Star Wars sagas. His favorite sport is NASCAR. And if you want to argue that NASCAR is not a sport, take it up with him. I dare you.

And just to prove how mature Jonathan is at 15, he's doing his homework, right now, at 9:45 pm on his birthday, even though a new Wii game sits quietly on the coffee table, just waiting to be tried out. He has celebrated this evening with family at a restaurant of his choosing, and he's opened his gifts and put together the new Star Wars Lego droid battleship he received, but he's learning--as we all do--that age is accompanied by responsibilities. He has been given a special dispensation, though, to stay up a little late to try out the Wii game--when his homework is done.

Happy birthday, Jonathan!