My baby, my first born son, turned 25!  Christopher (always with three syllables) became Hoffer (his brother’s best pronunciation); Hoffer became Chris.  Since his mother-in-law, my good friend, is also named Chris, he is often My Chris.  But to me he will always be Hoffer or The Old Gentleman. 

Chris has always had a keen sense of propriety, a kind and gracious heart, and a relaxed but courtly bearing; I started thinking of him as T.O.G. when he was five or six.   No one calls him The Old Gentleman – this is all in my head – but it captures a part of who he is.  Masculine modesty without improper prudishness. 

Don’t be fooled though.  He’s a magnet for fun; he laughs heartily and delights in practical jokes. 

When I think about Chris it is always in the context of relationships.  Old or young, very old or very young, he is good with people. I love to see him in the various roles he’s been given: husband, father, son, grandson, boss, big brother, friend.  He’s nothing if not dependable.  He’s learned to work hard and God has given him success.  Blessed (is) the man that fears Jehovah...

For those interested in homeschooling, I want to share his success to give you a different sort of encouragement.  Chris always did well academically, but wasn’t particularly brainy. He was a solid B+ student, an 89 per center. He did what was assigned to completion whether or not he enjoyed that subject. These are his strengths: he likes to work hard, he’s great with people, and he enjoys learning new things. 

He started working part-time for a manufacturer when he was 17, an entry-level job in which his fingernails got very dirty.   He mastered that job, challenged himself, and kept at it. He was moved to another job and worked at that.  His boss recognized his native abilities, appreciated his attitude, and tacitly put him through an informal management training.  Marrying the boss’s daughter wasn’t part of the scope and sequence, but Chris applied for that position and was granted permission. This spring when a retirement opened up a foreman job, managing the assembly plant, Chris was the man the managers thought best suited for the job.  He is highly respected by both his subordinates and his superiors.

He doesn’t have a college degree.   I don’t either.   I have often wished I had.  When people suggest I go back and get a degree, I laugh and say, “Then I’d have to study whatever they require, and I don’t want to take Abnormal Psychology, thanks all the same.”  I’m not against a university education.  But I want to go on record saying it’s not necessary for success.

We’ve always chanted the mantra: we’re raising our sons to be lifetime learners.  We’re giving them the tools with the hope that they will continue.  I see that happening with Chris.  He will never read Virgil in Latin, but he just roofed his steep 1920’s roof.  He won’t discuss Quantum Theories, but he will counsel  people in need.  He started reading his son Winnie the Pooh at about 18 months.  He opens his home to others, leads his family with confidence, loves his Grandpa and Grandma, and he always has a smile and hug for his mom!

Happy (belated) Birthday, my Hoffer.  You make your dad and me happy and grateful parents, you bring us joy all our days.