DAVID, our first born, was named after his two grandpas. David was my (Ruby) Dad and Immanuel was Noel’s dad. When he was about four years old when I had him all dressed for church on a Sunday morning in Froid, Montana. Soon, he was out of sight. I looked all over the house and finally walked across the street to find him in the church, standing on a stool by the altar drinking wine out of the little communion cups.
Another one: David had taken swimming lessons and had done well. When it came time to pass the test, he wouldn’t jump into the deep end of the pool; therefore, he didn’t pass it. Stubborn Dane!! He also led a student rebellion when a sixth-grade teacher told the students they should stand up for their rights!! We had to go talk to the principal!! This was unheard of in those days!!
SHAWN was named after a famous cowboy and Keenan was one of our church members and we liked the name. He was our adventurous son! Easily made friends. He and an adult friend made a go-cart his senior year when he was in Stover, Missouri. He always loved working on equipment or cars. He took Noel’s lawnmower apart when he was a young boy. Put it back together but then had extra parts left when he put it back together. Always loved working on cars. Bought a 1957 Chevy when he was 16 years old. Loved playing basketball. In one game, he was running with the ball with all the energy he had, only to discover he was running to the opponent’s basket. How disappointing.
BRIAN wasn’t named after anyone specific that I recall. We just like the name Brian Charles. He was our climber. He loved to climb trees to hide from me. One time he started climbing the city water tower…of course we couldn’t find him. We asked him “why” he would do this. His reply was that he wanted to find Jesus. I thought that was so cute…He may have been about six at that time. He was a Star Wars fan and had all the characters as well as seeing the latest movies. He loved music and played the trombone. He was drum major for the High School band…very impressive with the big Baton he carried. When he graduated, you could find it in his closet as a souvenir…we gave it back to him as a birthday gift one year.
DARIN was named by his birth mom, Darin David. He was our strong-willed son. Even from a young age, he showed this trait in his personality. When we told him it wasn’t possible, he always said, “I’ll prove you wrong.” And he was right. He told us he would play on the Varsity football team as a high school freshman. He committed himself to work out at the gym each day… and he did. He even got on the honor roll a couple times. He had goals and accomplished them. Throughout his life, he has accomplished much because of that trait.
We are thankful and proud of our boys. So many great memories that I wish I could remember that are not written here.