When Butch Ball has a quiver in
his voice, a lump in his throat,
and tears in his eyes...one
knows, without a doubt, that
it is a special moment in his life.
As his wife, I alone, have only seen
it happen THREE times...and Monica
and Marc's wedding was the third!!!

Three weeks prior to the wedding of
his son, Marc, he wrote down some of
the most memorable events of Marcus'
life and asked me to put it into
a poem that he could read as a toast.

When the time came, he got through the
first couple of lines...and just couldn't
continue. Thankfully, Marc's uncle,
Fred Fraley was able to step up and
finish it for him. So, for everyone
to share -- here is the toast Butch
had for Monica and Marc:

My Boy

What do I say to my dear son--
Who has filled my heart with joy?
It seems like only yesterday--
You were my little boy.

I carried you in my pocket...
When you were just four days old.
Now here you stand with your new wife...
Tell me, where did time go?

I remember you squalling and crying...
At the Clinchfield Company store.
You had to have a little wheelbarrow...
And threw a tantrum on the floor.

Do you remember when you lost your balloon
That you bought while on vacation?
Mom convinced you it would go back home...
To the Tweetsie Railroad Station.

Your mom and I spent sleepless nights...
When you had your big bike wreck...
When doctors told the two of us
They didn't know what to expect.

Marc, you've been my pride and joy,
Through oh, so many, hurdles.
You've given me reason to laugh so hard...
As I recalled your "snortles" and "gurgles".

What can I say to my precious son...
As he begins a brand new life?
I'll say, "I'm proud to be your DAD",
And love you and your new wife.

I wish you joy and happiness...
In good times and in bad.
And I can't wait until the day
You make ME a GRANDDAD!

Copyright: 2006
All rights reserved