When Jeanne and I were married, we agreed to have as many children as God would bless us with, possibly as many as 10.  

One year later, almost exactly to the date of our wedding, our first child, Ronny, was born. Unable to have a natural delivery, Jeanne had a Caesarean section. The doctor told us this would limit the number of children we could have. Matt, our only son, was born 18 months later, and Kay and Ann were born within the next four years.  

To say that we have been abundantly blessed is an understatement. The one area of their lives I’m most grateful for is their unselfishness. They not only help each other but will go to any length to help anyone in need. With three girls and one boy, I was always amazed how they served their brother, even to this day.  

Jeanne and I didn’t have many problems with them as they were growing up, except for perhaps Kay,

our third child. She was

the one most like me. I

realized later that everything I disliked about her was exactly the character traits that I had. Ronny and Ann had the same disposition and spirit as their mother.  

Matt had plans contrary to what I had envisioned for him. He finished college with a degree in management and finance. I figured he would use his degree in the business world, maybe in banking or the insurance industry. After a very short period in the insurance business, he told me that he wanted to work with his hands and do construction work. Today, he is self-employed and specializes in building, remodeling and roofing.

Besides getting a degree from Southeastern, he also met and married Monica Martinez. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Sunday, Nov. 11, was Matt’s 52nd birthday. It seems like only yesterday that my son was born. He also has the disposition and spirit of his mother.  

When he was born Jeanne wanted to name him Harold. I refused, and to this day I consider that a good decision. His middle name is Louis, after my dad who died five years before he was born.  

I, like most men, would like their sons to be like them. Matt is more like my dad. He works hard, loves his family and never takes advantage of anyone.

Matt, again, “Happy Birthday!” I’m proud of the man you’ve become. It’s hard for me to realize how God could possibly love you more than I do, but I know He does.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.