The Young Man at 22

November 6, 2021

It’s Ben Wade‘s 22nd birthday today! I’m proud of my eldest, who has always shown poise, maturity and humor beyond his years.

Couple quick stories: here’s the lad’s first official joke.

The “Woody” Toy Story figurine would say, “There’s a snake in my boot!” A -very young- Ben changed that to, “Snack.”

Huge laughs.

Story two:

When he was in early elementary age, and would hear one parent say to the other, “I’m getting a drink with a friend,” Ben later explained to us his unique interpretation of that phrase.

He said that he imagined me meeting my friend out somewhere. I greet my friend, he and I each order a beverage. Each of us silently empties his glass, then leaves.

At age 13 he suffered a relatively minor knee injury playing basketball that required some physical therapy and recovery.

No problemo.

But: the PT process stuck with him, and he has gravitated to it within his kinesiology / athletic training studies.

He’s a Texas senior now, headed to get his Doctorate in PT at a school to be named. I know that he has loved being a Longhorn, and I also am certain he’ll be thrilled to get away from Austin and live elsewhere for a couple years, too.

Happy Birthday!!

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