My Boys
My Boys
on
They are special. They’ve always been special. My triplet grandsons soon to celebrate their nineteenth birthday. Ralfie, Jack and Willy. Just wonderful boys since the day they were born. They are today … my boys.
I’ve had the joy of watching, helping them grow over the years. Ralfie and Jack just completed their freshman year at Providence College. Willy is enrolled in a program for challenged children in CT. I could not be more proud of these guys.
Why?
- First, you’ve never seen boys more polite respectful. So handsome!
- They are excellent students. Smart, hard workers.
- They are great “absorbers.” Love sharing ideas, thoughts on values … Christian faith with them. What amazes me? They never forget a word. “PopPop, I remember when …” They absorb everything I share. What a gift.
- My daughter Lisa and husband Ralf have shown them a love and commitment that has shaped their character, molded them to become the young men they are today. All I can say is … thank you Lisa and Ralf. Nancy and I are so blessed.
- Willy has autism. He’s needed attention and care for all of the nineteen years these guys have been with us. Ralf did most of the “heavy lifting” in the early years. But Willy would never have grown so healthily without the love, and care he got from his brothers. An amazing story to be told another time.
- My boys love life. They’ve come through some tough stuff growing up. Somehow, this experience birthed a response that has beautifully “brightened” them. Made them special. What you hear from people who observe them? “Look at those Shockey boys. They are so polite, so kind.” (Thanks again Lisa and Ralf.)
I could go on and on about my grandsons. But on the eve of their nineteenth birthday, what a great time to look back and reflect on the courage and kindness this entire family has displayed for two decades. I ask their friends. Visited Jack and Ralfie at Providence and asked key people there too. “How do you think they’re doing?”
And yes. As always, I hear … “Mr. Brickley, your grandsons are special.”
“Thank you … Yes, I know.”
Happy Birthday, my boys !!
Thanks for everything …
I love you so,
PopPop
4 Comments
You made me cry. Everything you wrote is so spot on. They are special. Xo
Dear Bob,
We hope all is well with you and wish Nancy well on her recovery!
Such a nice article – we feel blessed to have the Brickleys and Shockeys in our lives.
Warmest regards,
Steve & Linda Hedges
Looking forward to meeting these special young Men.💕
Hi Bob!
You are all truly blessed to have these wonderful boys in your life. I’m sure you & Nancy have contributed greatly in making them the special people they are,
xo