Thirty Years in the Blink of an Eye

Family, Happiness, Love, Strength 1 Minute

It was Friday, September 29, 1989. I remember the twang of the B-52’s on the radio that morning: “If you see a faded sign at the side of the road that says ‘15 miles to the Love Shack.’ Love Shack, yeah, yeah….” Except I wasn’t headed down the Atlanta highway or headed for a love getaway. Nope. Not this day. On this day, I got in my Honda. I was big as a whale. Nine months earlier, I had spent my time at the Love Shack. On this particular day, I headed down Highway 51, having contractions along the way to the hospital in Stillwater.

Twelve hours later…

It was 11:56 PM. The doctor said, “Do you want to have this baby on September 29th or the 30th?” 9/29/89 had a ring to it, so I plucked up strength enough and gave another push.

Those big brown eyes.

And with this little baby Andrew Riley, 8 lbs. 8 oz., came a love and joy and pride I never knew.

Those curls and that laugh.
There was baseball and football, basketball and soccer.
Good-looking and just plain good.
And we totally grew up together.
Our cellist. As his Nana likes to say, the maestro.

Looking back over thirty years, I remember so many moments of greatness, and I realize how often you have to keep plucking up strength enough and giving yet another push.

And today Happy 30th Birthday to my love and joy and pride, my courageous and strong son Andrew!

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

42 thoughts on “Thirty Years in the Blink of an Eye”

  3. A few tears this morning & a small heartache & a mountain of memories for my grandson, Drew, who has made my heart full ~ b- day 🎶 wishes to my #1 grandson & congrats to 2 great parents!! “You will reap in due season if you faint not”
    Love Always,
    DanaNanaMom

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    1. Oh, thank you, Linda! Well, my entire family went to OSU, my brother was even Pistol Pete, but I just spent one summer school session and nine hours there and graduated from OU. I’m the black sheep of my family in so many ways.

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    1. And I think about my Dad being 50 (my age now) when Drew was born and how fast 80 arrives. I guess it goes to show the importance of living every day. I’m holding my eyes open, but I could use some eye drops.

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  14. Great post and a great tribute to your son. Thanks for sharing. 30 years does pass in a blink. My youngest turns 30 this year. My oldest turns 33. Just spending Canadian Thanksgiving with him and his wife in the mountains. Always goo to spend time with the kids. Allan

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      1. I remember i was a beautiful God, an immortal one, once, and once upon a time, same like Andrew, the wonderful God who happens to be your son.

        In the blink of an Eye, though…

        So… when i see people celebrating their birthdays, i send them my best wishes !
        I find this a wonderful way to honor my youth.

        Liked by 1 person

  19. Awwhh, you are right, of course, time passes soooo quickly. My children have grown and moved away but I can sometimes take myself back to times as if was was yesterday vividly. Stay Well!

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  20. Pingback: A Top 10 Blog about Blogs – Faith + Gratitude = Peace + Hope

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