Levi G. Parker

July 28, 2009

Twenty-two years ago today, July 28, 1987, Levi Gordon Parker was born.

I was 28 when Mark and I got married in 1983 and had an 11 year old son, Charlie. I never really wanted to have more kids, but, I loved Mark and he was only 24 when we got married and I was afraid that he would regret someday not having children, so, I offered and he agreed that we should try. I had my IUD removed and just a few days later Mark left to take our van loaded with all our worldly possessions to Hamilton Montana where we would be moving. I stayed in Oklahoma to finish selling what we had left including my 1969 Chevelle. Two weeks later Charlie and I flew to Montana. The night I arrived at our new home Levi was conceived.

Levi was a beautiful baby, at two years old he had big blue eyes and long curly blond hair and could say his ABC's. At three he was a holy terror until we had Emily and he became a big brother, it changed him. He was and is the epitome of the oldest child syndrome, intense, serious, and brilliant. At four he learned to read, by the time he was five he could read on a first grade level.

He also had a mean streak that worried me. At about age six I looked at him one day and wondered what in the world was wrong with him and then I realized he was just like me..... after that I understood him better.

It took a hard hand to keep him in line, but, he was a wonderful and obedient son.

When he was an older teen he thanked me for being such a tough Mom. He understood.

He has grown up to be a man that I am abundantly proud of. He excels at everything he puts his hand to. He is a good husband and a wonderful father to Zoe and I am glad that he is my son.