Our Son Miles

This morning has been one of those mornings where my love for my children cannot be contained. It's not an unusual morning--we got up at the regular time, did the usual things. I just feel differently. I decided it was a good time to start my blog series about my family members. Today I'll talk about Miles.

What can I say about Miles? I just love him. I love how responsible he is. I love his work ethic. I love his desire to help others. This picture is an example. Last week our neighbors were landscaping their yard. Miles had finished his homework and asked me if he could go help. He must have been hauling dirt for over an hour. He came in the house telling me he was going to be helping them with bark chips the next day.

Another example that jumps to mind is from last year when the flooding in Centralia was so bad. The Church was organizing a clean up effort with the Red Cross and I thought it would be a good service experience for the young women. Unfortunately none of them were able to go. I was trying to decide if I wanted to go myself when Miles volunteered. Yes, he was younger than nearly everyone there but I guarantee he was one of the most eager. It was an incredibly humbling experience for both of us.

I love his faith. This past summer we were praying for my mom. She's in constant pain and this time in particular. One afternoon Miles was having a difficult time moving, his back was hurting him so badly. I asked if he remembered injuring it. He responded, "No but this morning I was praying that I could take some of Grandma's pain so I bet that's it."

I love his persistance. That's one of those qualities that drives me nuts sometimes but it will help him in life. He sets his mind to something and there's no stopping him. He's a great money saver. I think I'll be asking for loans from him before too long.

I love his sense of humor. This morning as I was getting breakfast ready for the girls the phone rang. I could see on the caller id that it was from my cell phone and Miles was upstairs. I answered the phone and heard in a car salesman-type voice, "Wouldja like to buy Lehman Bros.? I can give you a really good deal."

When he was 4 or 5 there was a time when Matt and I were in the middle of a discussion. He came to us asking for lunch. We told him to wait a few minutes and we'd get it for him. This replayed itself one minute later. See, there's that persistance. Then he disappeared. He came back with his little CD player and started playing some music. About halfway through the song I noticed it went like this, "Lunch, lunch, share a sandwich...". He just sat there smiling at Matt and me.

And finally, I love the person Miles is becoming. He gets more fun the older he gets. I can't wait to see what he does with his life. There is so much that he would be good at. I look at him and I'm humbled that the Lord would put him in my care. I love you Miles.