** Birthday Blessings **

Joshua Ryan Carty Ford arrived 18 years ago today, by our daughter, Cari. Our emotions were rampant, that little precious bundle would be forever treasured. We had wings on our heels & hearts. Our first little one, we were so blessed.
Every single 'first' Joshua ever had are embedded in my soul with warm memories.

The first gorgeous smile, the first gentle tear
The first sweet hug, the first little fall
Gumming a cob of corn, his first piece of steak
That walker running all over the house
How he loved Bob Barker on The Price Is Right
Those first steps at 7 months, soon became running
How he'd sit for hours pounding nails into a piece of wood
Our smelling the flowers, watching the birds
Swinging for hours, reading his book(s)

Calling Pa Harvey (gr-g'pa) to come out to play
Pa would ask 'why' but soon give way
Too soon came school, the loss of your teeth
Riding a bike, playing baseball ... sliding to home plate
Then there were braces, & motorbike race(s)
Too quickly came high school & life's fast pace
Now he has graduated early & has a good job
Our sweet little fella is all grown.

What pride & joy Joshua, you have given us. We
are so very proud of your kind & gentle heart, the
generous hugs & deep love. As you enter into
adulthood today, which you haven't let us forget
for the past few months, we ask that you be blessed
& continue your journey with the verve you have
thus far carried in your life. A tear(s) of happiness you
turned out as wonderful as you have, a selfish tear of
letting you enjoy the world you are entering, we are
here for constant support.

Joshua ... may you ever know that life is what you make
of it, you have a fantastic head on your shoulders & will
be very successful ... God speed.

Please know that our love is firm & deep. We thank you
for making us so proud. Ever in our hearts & souls,
Love & pride ~
Mini & Poppy