Happy Birthday to my 40 Year Old Son.....

Andrew Edward Rudd

born March 5, 1970 in Elkhart General Hospital. We took that long drive from Winona Lake, where dad was in Seminary, at a pretty good clip that snowy morning. It was a 40 minute drive, but even fast driving did not speed up your very long rough entry into this beautiful world. Your were scheduled to be born on FEB th, but decided to hold off your entry for one full month--which did give us a little anxiety about getting you there on time.

To your late arrival, you added the fact that weighed 9lb.3oz and absolutely would not turn yourself around and come out the normal head first, but insisted on coming our in a frank breech position....

We waited all day --till 4 for you to arrive--while many curious nursing students checked our what a breech delivery would look like--at least until I finally told them that woul be all the visitors until you were in the world. Your dad got to watch the delivery thru a glass window as an anethesiologist put me out and then helped push and pull you out of your tight little home...

From that day, till this you have been an incredible blessing to your dad and I. So many memories I hold over forty years of your life--your shyness, food pickiness, cutting your hair in the beatles style, your great love for creative play, your ability to learn to read at 3, your incredible love for your brothers--always protecting them and guiding them to love Jesus, and then your love and care of your sister almost 12 years your junior, your love for music, your adventuresomeness, your willingness to try new venues as your grew older, your speaking ability, your LOVE of swimming, of reading,of running, of people, of school-- (after highschool), of moviemaking, of traveling, of solving problems, of God's Word--tons of it memorized, of getting more degrees, of caring about and for others, of gourmet cooking, of the Cabin, of the tales of your grandparents' and ancestors' lives, of your mom and dad ,of your wonderful precious wife, Lynn, of the gifts of your incredible children Jaelyn and Addison, of the way you have loved your in-laws.

And now here you are 40 years old !!! Knowing what we do about the genes and longevity of your family, you may have another 40 years to live on this earth. I know you will always choose to do the very best for yourself and all those that you influence. Walking with Jesus is always the key to making it well in life and I know you are very aware of that.

Your dad and I love you way more than we ever dreamed we could love anyone on the day your were born. We are praying for your growth and happiness and walk with God throughout the rest of life that He may give you...We are so proud that you are our son!!!

Happy Happy Birthday to our wonderful son!!!

Your mom who loves you incredibly...