This Brad with Gabe. Yesterday was Brad's birthday and Gabe baked him a giant cupcake. Brad and my daughter have been buddies since Kindergarten. When he finished school his dad offered him a job at his company. Brad said he wanted to be a Marine. So he did just that. After Afghanistan he came home and took that job with dad. And became one of Gabe's heroes. It's a long story why my daughter is a single mother. Everyone's life has some drama in it,I won't bother you with mine. Her new partner is a fine man that Gabe loves dearly. But she has also let a few others help in his mentoring.Brad is a tall, strong and silent type.God knows what he saw over there. We kind of know what the Corps taught him. But not this. As he held Gabe he hugged him and told Gabe that he made him feel special. And that's the reason for the grin and the thumbs up. Oh yeah one of the good guys.
What a great photograph James and a wonderful post. How right you are that everyone's life has some drama in it. I guess it's how we deal with it ultimately that counts and it seems that your daughter has a wonderful partner there in Brad and Gabe has his hero to look up to aswell.. Oh, and how fantastic is that cake?! Mmmmmm - looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely one of the good guys! This post has me smiling :-)
ReplyDeleteJames you absolutely have to stop this. Just about every second post brings tears to my eyes and I am sure my keyboard was not supposed to get this wet! Isn't Gabe going to grow into a fine young man with people like Brad as his mentors? Lucky young man.
ReplyDeleteThis brought a lump to my throat too....these beautiful posts with your gorgeous grandsons always do!!
ReplyDeleteGabe is a darling - not that I need to tell you that of course - just look at that smile :)
Boys always need good models and mentors, how wonderful that he has Brad in his life.
Have a lovely day James :)
You must be so very proud. A wonderful family photo, full of love!
ReplyDeleteKarena
Art by Karena
Great post and photo...I'm glad Gabe has so many positive role models in his life!
ReplyDeleteThat's some cupcake. and there's nothing better for a kid than to have lots of people to look up to.
ReplyDeleteOh, my dear James,
ReplyDeleteYou know how to touch the heart. You always make us see what is good.
Thank you once again, my dear friend.
Gabe is a lucky boy to have a solid Marine as a role model and a pal.....in addition to his Grandfather of course. This Memorial Day we have to remember to thank guys like Gabe for what they do and have done for us...
ReplyDeleteWell posted Sir.
I just had to come to your blog when I read your comment on Jackie's Hertford post...it gave me such a laugh, thank you. And then I read your beautiful post and it made me tear up, for all sorts of reasons. I'll certainly be back to visit.
ReplyDeleteHi James,
ReplyDeleteEvery family and life has "some drama in it" as you say, I think it's how we handle all of it that shows our true character. Yours is admirable, and your sweet grandsons have more than one great guy to look up to!
XO
Heidi - Heart and Home
Those are some cute cupcakes! And I mean the boys too.
ReplyDeletexoxo
SC
Dear James,
ReplyDeleteWell, despite everything, it's lovely that your daughter has got people like Brad in her life to bring even more love and fun into your grandson's lives.....and, there are not enough thank-you's in the world to say how much we are grateful for all of those who go to Afghanistan.
A wonderful and happy photograph of Brad and Gabe, and happiness is all that we want for our loved ones, isn't it ?
Thanks so much for your brilliant comment on my last post, James. You really made me laugh !!....as well as Kerry !!
Have a lovely and happy weekend, James. XXXX
Beautiful story my friend.
ReplyDeleteOh Gosh, this almost made me cry. I am often wondering how single mums cope - good for her to have such a positive rolemodel for her son in her life.
ReplyDeleteAnd btw, that cupcake looks delicious!
Oh, how wonderful that Gabe has such a great role model! Many a man has been ruined by poor role models growing up.
ReplyDeleteThat cake is great!
Every woman and child should have a Brad in their lives.
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age of hideous television shows influencing our young ones it is refreshing to know there are Brads still around, being lovely role models by just being themselves.
He is indeed a great guy and a Godsend.
It IS a beautiful car James, my husband's dream car possibly....they really don't make cars like that anymore do they?
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a lovely day, thanks for the visit as always :)
He looks a good type too......and he can bake!
ReplyDeleteLou
James,
ReplyDeleteYour posts always tell a little story to touch our hearts and let us see a little more of you and our family - that's why you are so special and such a joy. You make me smile. Rita
Aloha James,
ReplyDeleteso glad you dropped in to visit, Mahalo for asking about Travis, He is doing Awesome and loving his new journey,as for your post, I wandered back in my mind to your post on your Father in Laws desk that found it's way back to you and how you thought of him. I can't help but believe that these two fine young men honor you in their lives. I think you pay it forward and it shows!!
all my Aloha
Brandi
Very touching! And tell Brad thank you from Kathie in Virginia!
ReplyDeleteThere must be many reasons why Brad is one of the 'good guys'. But his mentoring of Gabe is right at the top. To make a young boy feel important to someone that he can look up to is truly touching. Hard to not get teary. Both are lucky to have each other. Thank you for sharing James, I've missed your wisdom and humor.
ReplyDeleteJames, I don't visit you nearly enough. Once in a while I catch your comment on Deb's blog and shoot on over to read. Going to put you on my "read weekly" list!
ReplyDeleteYou always post something that touches my heart.
Brad is indeed one of the good guys and how lovely he is there to provide another good example for Gabe.
Gabe is very lucky indeed to have Brad in his life. Truth is, they both probably mean a lot to each other. :)
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