Happy 29th Birthday Vito

Some days the only way I can move forward is to look back.  Pictures bring back long forgotten memories that get polished with hindsight and understanding until they shine brightly.

July 4,1995 Party, Vito age 11

Winter 1995 Lynn and Vito (age 12)

December 1995 Scott, Vito, Lynn

December 1995 Vito age 12

February 1996 Vito being tickled by Scott

April 1996 Lynn and Vito reading

Some of the best times I spent with Vito is when we would hang out...just being...together.

Random pics age 11-13

October 1994, Vito playing Nintendo

1995 7th Grade pic

1995 Vito (center)

October 1996 8th Grade pic

Winning the Game

Vito playing Upwords here with Kit Kat at his side. He liked playing most games but Pay Day was his favorite game to play. It was much like life, making your way through the days of the month trying to stretch your paycheck to cover all the pitfalls along the way. It was a lot of fun and he especially liked it when he won.

Snowman Fun

It's the winter of '95 and we all go out to play in the snow. We put together a snowman complete with hat and tie holding a rose. Curiously the rose was gone in the morning. Playing in the snow was right up Vito's alley. Afterwards a cup of hot cocoa hits the spot.

Mr. Snowman and Vito


Vito, Mr. Snowman and me unable to resist his charms.


A slightly blurry Vito, Mr. Snowman and Scott.


I can't remember exactly what Vito is laughing at but knowing him probably a snowball hit it's mark.

Happy guy

Vito doing his homework and smiling. It's October 1995 and he's in seventh grade now. He's helpful and loving and we all have fun together. Scott finds him to be self assured and willing to get to know him. We carve pumpkins together for Halloween and have a great time.

Scott's, Lynn's and Vito's

Vacation!

Labor day weekend, 1995 we took a trip to Virginia Beach. I drove the Grand Am and Scott was my side kick. Mom, Mike and Vito rode in the back. The weather was great and we stayed at the Dunes. Above is Vito in the hotel pool, ready to splash.


Vito and Mike hanging out in the pool.


Mike and Vito petting the sting rays.

You gotta love Virginia Beach, so beautiful... and warm!

The Graduate

Here's Vito after just receiving his sixth grade diploma. My boss let me leave work for a couple hours to go to his graduation. I was too far away to get a good picture. That summer turned out to be very busy. We're getting to know Scott, his friends and family. We went to a fourth of July party and many family get togethers. Looking back I suspect Vito might have felt a little left out. He was used to having his Mom all to himself. He never complained though and we always tried to include him in what we were doing. Being head over heels in love, however, may have clouded my judgement. Everything seemed perfect.
Scott, his friend's daughter and Vito at the Zoo

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve 1995 and Vito is all dressed up, looking so sharp, ready to go to Scott's parents. Too bad his eyes are closed.

Vito loved Christmas and even at this age (12) he still believes in Santa. When he was born I struggled with the decision to tell him the Santa lie. I remember being told, at the age of five, that there was no Santa and being devastated by that revelation. I should never do that to my child.

But I did...and once Vito started school that dreaded question started coming up, "Mommy, is there really a Santa Claus?". My standard reply was to ask him, "What do you think?". If his answer was yes I would affirm his belief. As he got older I was more and more surprised by that yes answer. This particular Christmas (1995) after his yes answer I asked him why he thought there was a Santa. He replied confidently "Mom, there is no way you can afford all these presents". I was so tickled and thrilled by that.

The following year he didn't let me off the hook so easily but I didn't deny Santa. By then I knew for certain that there is a Santa. His spirit works miracles for children everywhere and puts a little magic in our lives.
Vito on Christmas morning, his eyes not much more open than the night before.

 Vito and I, December 1995

Skater Boy

It's spring 1995 and Vito shows off his roller skating skills. His Aunt works at the local rink so he gets a lot of practice and is pretty good. He literally skates circles around his Mom. I've met a nice guy I feel is worthy of meeting Vito and this picture is taken on our first all together date. We have a great time even if maybe a couple of us really can't skate all that well. I ask Vito what he thinks of my friend Scott and he says "He's nice Mom, but kinda goofy". Yes.