Totally Terrific Todd, A Tribute

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TODD!

I'm not exaggerating when I say that my youngest son, Todd, is totally terrific. It would also not be far off the mark to say that he has, at various times in his life, been totally terrifying. Have you ever heard of those Type T personalities (so identified by Dr. Frank Farley of Temple University), who scare their parents within an inch of their lives on a regular basis? I think the Toddster just might qualify. What I mean to say is that being careful has never been his stock-in-trade. For instance, the first time he ever went skiing, he insisted on flying down a black diamond slope. I think you get the idea...

Happily, with age and maturity has come the ability and inclination to channel this adrenaline-seeking energy into more positive things. (Type T personalities often become explorers, inventors and the like.) This really fits, because Todd is starting a summer research job for the University of Arizona's Oncology Department even as we speak. In fact, he will likely get his name published in a medical journal for the work he's doing. Pretty cool, and that is just the tip of the iceberg of what Todd is up to these days. Having finally figured out what he wants to pursue (the ever-challenging and grueling but oh so prospective-mother-in-law-pleasing MD), he is hurtling through his undergrad studies at warp speed and preparing to apply to medical school in March of next year. This preparation includes classes with names I can't even pronounce, let alone spell (okay, that's an exaggeration because I can actually pronounce and spell pretty much anything), along with a few extracurricular activities such as volunteering in the emergency room, being preceptor for a Physiology professor, and serving as a research assistant for the Oncology Department. He's even getting paid a stipend, which impresses lab-challenged people like me. He's also maintaining a 4.0 at the U of A, not that I'm bragging or anything. (All right, maybe I AM bragging, but who wouldn't? This guy is doing some pretty incredible things.)

Here are a few of the other pretty incredible things about Todd:

1. pretty incredible good looks (he might argue this one)

2. pretty incredible luck with the ladies (proving me right re. #1)

3. pretty incredible athletic abilities (basketball topping his list)

4. pretty incredible brain power (magical mystery memory)

5. pretty incredible debater (even gives me a run for my money)

6. pretty incredible sensitivity/perception (when he goes there)

7. pretty incredible humor (always funny...not always appropriate)

8. pretty incredible zest for eating (loves his food, a family trait)

9. pretty incredible drive (or lack of same, depending upon interest)

10. pretty incredible people skills (he can feel ya)

11. pretty incredible crisis composure (fish hook story...don't ask!)

12. pretty incredible ability to forego sleep (quite handy in an intern)

Also incredible is the fact that I could make this list very much longer. However, I will refrain, because we wouldn't want Todd to become incredibly big-headed.

Oops. Too late. 

(just kidding) 

sort of

heehee

Love you, Todd. You are a wonderful son, and we're lucky you came our way. As a child, you were such good company your mom (lovely woman) couldn't bear to send you to pre-school, and that quality hasn't changed. Hope your birthday treats you as well as you deserve, and we can't wait to see you this weekend!

P.S. Keep your eyes open for two deliveries to your door today. And you might want to take a look in your checking account, too!  =)