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About four years ago i promised my two boys that we would see snow and every year it's been a struggle.  This year was no different, we left Florida and stopped in Nashville, TN to see my sister and hopefully our first snow.  It was 7 degrees and was definitely good to put the boys in the Christmas spirit but no snow.  We saw Trans Siberian Orchestra... Matthew really enjoyed it despite it's high volume and duration.  Nathan on the other hand managed to sleep through the whole thing.  I guess I should have scheduled an earlier showing. 

Anyway we heard that it was going to dump a ton of snow where my parents lived, Connersville, Indiana so we took off that way with high hopes of seeing snow and most likely a white Christmas.  It didn't happen, the snow stopped just north of Connersville.  In fact it was expected to have record warm temps.  After Christmas, which was wonderful since we were able to spend it with our family, we decided to head to Crystal Mountain in Northern Michigan after they promised they would have snow.  The night we arrived the temp had risen to record highs and the next day was 50 degrees which melted all the snow except the base on the mountains.  We've been here three days and NO snow and none is expected tomorrow but the boys were able to ski on the green and blue slopes and they have snow boarding lessons tomorrow.  We also rented snow mobiles on Wednesday and they are expecting an inch or two of snow so maybe we will see it after all, we'll see.  The have hundreds of miles of snow trails, hopefully there's enough snow to enjoy the day.

 It's almost over and we have a very long drive home but we've have a really good time and built lots of memories with my boys and my family that I will cherish forever.

 I'll upload a photo shortly.

 I can't wait until next year,

Shane

Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly, all rumpled in your sheets and I will hold you until you are ready for the day.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off,  and sit with you in the back yard and blow bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

Just for this afternoon, I will take you to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born, and how much I love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV show.

Just for this evening, when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.  I will think about the mothers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms, and mothers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore, and when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer. It is then that I will thank God for you, and ask him for nothing, except one more day.

Dedicated to Matthew Shane Hamilton
Author: UNKNOWN

Matthew,

I just thought I would put some of my thoughts on the internet.  It's 1:00am in the morning and I can't sleep.  I can only think of you.  I ponder for hours at night and I thought I would let you into my heart.  I only hope that this rambling will be around when you can truly read and understand the love I feel for you.  

I love every look, every sound you make and fear that your going to grow up to fast.  I daydream about games we'll play when you get older.  I look forward to your first steps, your first birthday, your first day of school, your prom, your last day of school and your marriage.  Yet, I wish that they would never come, knowing that the want is something that goes away as these milestones pass never to be relived.  I hope that you will someday know the love I feel for you.  

The last several years before you were born were difficult for me.  I have always enjoyed life more than most.  I would wake up every morning with a smile on my face.  I would think, what a wonderful time to be alive.  But, I lost interest in the world, boredom, questioning my existance.  There is a famous quote coined by Tom Cruse that explains the way I felt on Sept. 30, 1999 (your birthday).  'YOU COMPLETE ME!'  I again look forward to each day, happier than I have ever been in my life.

If God were to grant any wish that I had it would be to keep you safe from harm throughout your life.  I tear at the very thought that something bad could happen to you. 

I love you

Your Father