June 1

June 1 has always been one of my favorite days of the year.  The promise of summer, the end of the school year, the month of weddings...what's not to like?  In 1997 it shot to the top of my list when it became the day my only child, my son Ben, was born.

If you've been reading a long time, then you know my son was my 4th child; the first 3 were lost earlier than 11 weeks to miscarriage.  After Ben, I would go on to lose 3 more babies to miscarriage, and learn to be grateful for the miracle of carrying him to term.

We've had so many happy June 1sts over the last 15 years!

It's the day we got each of our dogs -- Maggie first, for Ben's 5th birthday...

and Snoopy later, for his 8th birthday.

There was the surprise birthday of a lifetime, when Ben turned 10; we spent a week in DisneyWorld, (something we'll probably never be able to afford to do again -- but it was worth every penny!)

Now that Ben's older, we usually celebrate at home, with friends.  (Those are virgin margaritas!)

Ben, second from the right on last month's hiking trip

This year, though, Ben turns 15 and  his summer is going to be all about the driver's permit, the Eagle Project, and National Youth Leadership Training.  Between Scouting trips and a stint as camp counselor, he'll be away for five weeks this summer.

Ben, on the left, at mealtime

I'm really happy for him, and proud that he's chosen to spend his summer this way.  Even though I'll be missing him.  I guess I'd better get used to it!

Happy Birthday Benjamin!