August 13th was my son's birthday. He is my firstborn and we have gone through a lot together over the 
years.
Karl is a very considerate, thoughtful, hard working, kind, laid back, helpful guy. If someone needs help, and his schedule allows it, he is there for you. No complaints.
Karl is a country boy at heart. He grew up on our farm with horses and tractors. He actually rode before he was born and continued on until he hit college and his studies took over. He really loved tractors. Since the age of 5, he was always around tractors and sat on them pretending to be a farmer. As soon as his feet were able to reach the pedals comfortably, he started driving a tractor. Of course I had him go for a tractor safety course that the 4H offered before he actually was allowed to drive. And he passed it with flying colors.
What is really funny is that he learned to drive the tractor when he was about 10 years of age, years before he even thought about a learner's permit. What's even funnier is that after getting his junior license, he was instructing a parent on how to back a truck and trailer who was having trouble at an event at a farm. How often do you see that?
Growing up, Karl learned and rode horses and worked on the farm, helping with baling hay, stacking hay in the barn, of course driving the tractor. gardening, etc. Anything that involved farm work. He also enjoyed jumping his horse. He competed at show jumping on the A circuit in New Jersey, in 4H, at US Pony Club Rallies and qualified for US Pony Club Nationals. He was always proud of his accomplishments in the show ring.
While attending college, Karl worked on old tractors and made them look brand new. He did a great job restoring them. Some of them were tractors that sat in farmer's fields forever, rusting away. But, after Karl got done, they worked perfectly.
Karl now lives in Maryland, outside of Baltimore. He works for a company doing lighting and sound systems for gigs and shows. In HS, Karl was in the drama club and worked back stage and found that he enjoyed doing the lighting and sound for the productions, so he went to college and earned his degree in Technical Theater. Interesting carreer, I might say.
This is dedicated to Karl. I am truly proud of him and his accomplishments and hard work.
Karl, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Keep up the good work!
Happy Birthday to you and Karl. A touching way to remember someone special on their day! I hope you send him a copy.
Brigita: Sounds like you did a great job of teaching your son. You should be very proud of the job you did and Karl's accomplishments. Hope he had a great birthday.
Shannon:
I certainly did send him a copy. Thanks for the wishes.
Linda:
Thank you! I am very proud of Karl. We had our moments, especially during his teenage years, and Karl can vouch for that, but it was well worth it.
Send Karl my best. It is really a journey watching your kids grow!!
your friend in Charlottesville!
Happy Birthday to Karl! What a nice testament to your son. You certainly have reason to be proud.
Charles:
It certainly is. It's unfortunate that the years go by so quickly.
Jeannie:
I am very proud of him!