As Nate turned a Teenager, his love for Surfing , skateboarding and roller-blading all led to a very busy, Risky and social kid. I wish I had his pic of when he Broke His Arms both from a Roller-blading Jump over our mailbox. Tonia had to remind me it was Roller Blading that did it. No surfing pics either, didn't have a decent camera to pick it up out in the water like they do now. I think Nate has the few pics we had.
He had so many haircuts, and colors through the years. Tonia and I decided along time ago, we would not die on the hill of hair. Some at our Church sure did not like our choice, but we just felt there were too many other issues.
Oh, those teen years. Nate loved his friends and still has some of the very friends he grew up with . They no doubt will be lifelong friends.
The Parties we didn't know about for many years later!!! The night I went up to your room and you had climbed out the upstairs window, and made a Body looking thing under the covers!!!! LOL, Some how we made it through those years. I found this note, you wrote yourself one summer after camp. It was pretty powerful and brought tears to my eyes.I think one of the most enjoyable days was on your 18th Birthday when we gave you the old Hyundai we bought from Jama's parents. The Pic says it all....
I think one of the highlights of your Sr. Year and all of high-school for me was Mom and I getting to take you and several of your friends to Costa Rica to surf. Other than you guys taking me out in the Pacific with a rented Surfboard and almost drowning me in those 10' waves, I loved Costa. Still think its one of my fav places Ive ever visited.
Graduation was the end of a long run, in Cooper City Schools. Pioneer where you guys won the County Championships in Volleyball. Since we had been through it one time before with Jim, it was a little easier. Actually the book Give them roots, give them wings helped us prepare to let you go!! Actually we learned the Sr. year really prepares parents as well as kids. You couldn't wait to leave the nest, and it didn't help with you finishing in January. Then it was off to College at University of Central Florida. That first place you rented the trailer, in Indian Harbor was definitely memorable. Just had to put that pic up........... Man Im glad you didn't stay there long, but hey that is where Landscaping really took hold for your lifelong love of Landscape and Design. So I guess it was a good thing , after all.......
Israel was another memory for a lifetime. Im so glad you got to go with us while in College. I know it probably will be something you always remember.
Well, Im not going to get to the Marriage, and Family part of the post, but will pick that up later.
Once again, I want to wish you a Happy 30th Birthday and may your life be blessed by your Children as you and your brothers have blessed your mom and I. I love you more than words can ever express and want you to know each and everyday I will continue to pray for you and your family and future. Thanks Nate for being the Godly man you have and are becoming. I love you
Dad
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