I can't believe Mark is 25!

Happy 25th Birthday Mark Joseph Williams

On Friday, August 12, 1983 at 11:29 a.m. Mark joined our family. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was 20 ½ inches long. I was scheduled to be induced on August 13 but the morning of August 12 I felt sick. Grandma Johnnie Belle happened to come by about 8:00 in the morning. She never came by that early. I told her I felt terrible and she said she would take Christopher for a few hours. After she left I continued to become more uncomfortable and I asked Tim if he would come home. My contractions were a lot harder with Mark and were coming fast. We arrived at the hospital about 9:00am and Mark was born at 11:29am. I wrote in my journal –“that was fast and I was happy!” Just 10 ½ months after Christopher was born Mark took his place in our eternal family. He couldn’t wait and I feel so blessed to be his Mom. Chris had no idea what Mark was or why Mark was here but they had fun growing up together – almost like twins! I am very proud of you Mark, and the choices you have made – most recently to marry sweet Tiffani in the temple and to work hard to be a good provider. You have given us so much joy and added so much to our lives.

Love you so much, Mom

25 Things I Love About Mark

1. Fun sense of humor

2. His dimples

3. Love for music

4. I love to hear him play the guitar and piano

5. I love to hear him sing

6. His love for Tiffani

7. Kindness to children

8. Athletic ability

9. His soccer legs!!

10. His courage

11. His artistic ability

12. His desire to be a good husband

13. For serving an honorable mission

14. For learning Danish!

15. His love for Dusty

16. His fashion sense and personal grooming practices! (he learned that from me.)

17. His vast computer skills

18. His patience

19. His homemade salsa

20. His competitive nature

21. His courage to try new things

22. His self-discipline

23. His dimples!

24. The respect and love he shows me

25. His endurance

Well, my wonderful son Mark is 25 on Tuesday (August 12). I'm upset that he isn't here for Eileen to spoil him for the week - but our visit with him last week helped span the long summer he and Tiff have been away from us. At least he was here for my party (I'm not sure why I was getting this present, but it was the only festive picture I could find on my camera).

But, I wanted to let him know how satisfied I am that he is such an above average son, with such average good looks and abilities. I am proud to call him son (I don't know what else to call him - - he is my son).

Just kidding - - - - - Mark, you have brought me so much joy during your life and have certainly eclipsed Chris by bringing Tiffani into our life. You are really maturing as a husband, a provider and as a man. I want to wish you a very happy birthday . . . hurry and get home.