On a Springtime Wednesday evening exactly 18 years ago my weekly poker game was interrupted by a phone call suggesting I come home immediately as we had unexpected visitors.
Upon arriving home I found my three sons, Brady, TJ, and Jamie accompanied by their wives Christine, Catina, and Jennifer. To be accurate Brady and Christine also had our first grandchild Tate in tow having been born about 2 years earlier.
Upon arrival, the kids presented us with a note saying “we don’t know the genders, but we do have expected due dates.”
The news was of course all three of our sons and their lovely wives were expecting babies and all as it turned out within a thirty-day window.
Obviously, this created a rather busy July and August. With rushed trips to Olathe Medical Center first, Manhattan’s hospital for the second time in two years, and finally a totally unexpected late Sunday evening trip back to Emporia for an early delivery. Alexander Sauder was born on July 9, Trey Sauder on August 5th, and Brooks Sauder on July 9th.
If you like group birthday parties…..well, that’s another story.
Something these remarkable grandsons do share in common is they are all graduating within not a month, but rather 8 days. Add in parties to celebrate with 2 of 3 not on the same day as graduation….. well, again you should get the picture.
The great news is all three have scholarships for college and each will be participating in an athletic activity as a part of their education.
Firstborn Trey will be golfing for the Baker Wildcats and starting in general business with a likely end game in finance or sales.
Alex will be Trey’s roommate at Baker where he will be that crafty lefthander coming out of the bullpen on Sauder Field. Alex indicates his vocation will likely be in business with sports administration as his target.
Brooks is headed to Hutchinson Community College to play golf for the Blue Dragons and study sports management with the goal of representing someone in business, sports, or entertainment who is the biggest name in their industry.
We are so thankful for these young men and their cousins which now total 10.
Trey, Alex, and Brooks all have excelled in high school and now are ready for their new challenges.
With our car filled with gas, we plan to attend as many events as possible. It’s the best challenge in life!
I’m proud Papa Steve Sauder!
