Jeremy...

I have never really talked in detail about my son, Jeremy. He is 18, will be 19 in April. Ever since he was born he has been my treasure. He was the most beautiful baby, toddler, child, teenager and now adult. Not only on the outside but on the inside too. He has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone who needed his help.

When Jeremy was about 20 mos. old his dad and I were divorced. We lived with Mom and Dad for a couple of years, I worked and when we were able to we moved into our own apartment. Jeremy didn't like it very much because Mammaw and Papaw weren't there. They went through a lot with us. Jeremy's scarlet fever. His skull fracture when he fell off the bench in the dining room and so much more.

Jeremy went to daycare for most of his toddler and young child years. He started school and did great until his mom got stupid and put a man before my son. I just put him on a back burner and proceeded with my life. Through it all, Jeremy remained loving and kind. When I married the man and he started hitting us, I quickly got us out of the situation. Once again we were at Mom and Dad's. Once again after a couple of years we moved out and once again I was stupid.

Jeremy went in to middle school and did fair. He had a little tougher time but in 6th grade is when he joined the middle school band. He started on euphonium and after the first semester the band teacher asked if she could put him on the tuba. I really didn't want him to because you always have that stereotypical picture of the fat kid playing the tuba. Anyway, she said it was a promotion. They only pick the best to move up. Well, of course he can move up!!! Jeremy loved band immediately. It was our life.

Jeremy has battled with a weight problem since 1st grade. He has always taken the kidding and kids can really be mean. I don't understand why they are so mean. I just know that Jeremy kept his chin up and marched on!! Yes, on occassion he would get depressed about it but I was always there to talk him out of it.

At the end of 7th grade I had met Mark. Jeremy fell in love with him too. We were so happy. Still are! So, Jeremy started 8th grade at George Jr. High in Rosenberg. He had made the symphonic band at Bammel and when we went to George they put him in Concert. Well, Momma didn't stand for that!!! I had that teacher for lunch. I told him that Jeremy had made the symphonic band at a jr. hi. that the band could have played circles around George's and that Jeremy would be in Symphonic. Guess what, Jeremy was in Symphonic. Never did like that teacher much. He went to Terry when Jeremy went to High School so we had 5 years of putting up with each other. He was the assistant at Terry.

Anyway, Jeremy started going to the football games for the high school his 8th grade year. He was I believe the high school kids called him a "Tuba Worm". He basically helped with the equipment and all. He loved this and couldn't wait to get in to high school and marching band.

Well, he did. I have never been so proud of him. It was funny from July to about December he would lose about 25 to 30 lbs. and get a deep dark tan from marching in the hot summer and fall. He always looked good. We had some close calls through the years. His senior year he went out with a boom. Well, they were at Marching Pre-UIL contest at Katy and it was soooooo hot. He had been sick also and didn't tell me that he still was. I thought he was over it. He just wanted to march. Anyway, so, when we got to the stadium, one of the moms that rode the bus told me I better keep an eye on Jeremy because he had been throwing up and not feeling good. I told her I thought that all that was over a couple of days ago. Little booger lied to me so he could march. Anyway, so he marched and made it through all of the show and they marched off the field and he went down. Fainted flat out on the sidelines. I had already gone up and was buying him a couple of buttons and stuff and they came running to get me. Mark was already down there. I guess that's the fastest I have run in a long time. He was conscious by the time I got there. I kept telling him "Jeremy mom's here. I love you." Of course, as I am writing this I have tears running down my cheeks. So, they called the ambulance. It came all the way on to the field. Jeremy stopped the contest for about 45 minutes. They loaded him up and we were off to the hospital. As we were leaving the field he got a standing ovation and everyone clapping for him. It was great. So, we went to the hospital and he was just dehydrated and with the heat and the heavy uniforms he passed out. So, he couldn't march that night at the football game but he begged for us to go. I told him he had to sit with us so I could watch him. So, we went and of course he loved all of the attention he got by the girls and the moms. Then, Mr. C said that Jeremy could perform in the Big marching contest on Wednesday. Well.....momma and daddy handled that too. He marched.

Then he graduated. That was I guess the proudest I have been of him. Of course at all of the concerts and contests you burst with pride, but to see him walk across that stage and get his diploma was the proudest. I didn't even cry that much.

He is now in college. He is going to be a band teacher. He loves music and he loves high school kids. He wants to be a director so I guess starting band in the 6th grade was a good thing. I am proud of him. I get prouder every day. He is a great guy. So loving and caring.

He had some hard times. He lost his Mammaw Carnathan at age 7. He lost his precious sister Jessica when he was 14. Through it all he has been the strong and courageous person that anyone could lean on.

He has his fights with Mark but they love each other. I have so much love in my heart for him. He has always been my sweet prince. He will always be...I hope his future wife will understand.

I love you so much Jeremy. I am so proud of you.