Just One Look

On November 09, 2018 the world was forever changed with the birth of my 4th grand baby. Hollis Keith Deason entered at 12:32 pm and weighing in at 8 lbs 2 oz and measuring a lengthy 21". The ever-so-ecstatic parents are Daulton and Goose.

I remember so vividly when they got married. The night before the wedding a bunch of us got together for dinner to celebrate Daulton's last night of single-girl-living. Shelby had gathered letters from each and put them in a scrapbook to present to man-I-love-this-girl-so-very-much Daulton. I wrote. And wrote. And wrote. I needed Daulton to know the importance of my son. Of being a Deason. Of honoring her marriage. Of embarking on this roller coaster ride - Deason Style.

However, it was EXTRA important that she knew I had FIVE ever-most-precious treasures. Tyson, Goose, Tanna, Shelby and Jaden. I was giving her one. Goose was to be hers.

Do I need to tell you that Daulton has done her work GLORIOUSLY? She has. She has made Goose a better man.

I watched as these kids grew a family all their own. I listened to the doubts. Cried along with frustrations. Laughed at Daulton's waddle-walk. Shared excitement over the oh-my-gosh-it's-so-cute nursery. Sat in the new rocking chair and watched the bookshelf expand with baby books.

We waited and waited and waited for our guy to come.

Along came Hollis. I was smitten.

In 1990, Doris Troy released the song Just One Look.

I swear on a stack of bibles this song ran through my head like a freight train.

Just one look and I fell so hard
In love with you
I found how good it feels
To have your love
Say you will be mine
Forever and always
Just one look, that's all it took.

Goose had asked that he be alone with Daulton during childbirth. It took ever-so-much strength to honor that request. 

After Hollis was born, Goose texted me "My boy is here." I freaking bawled like a baby. 

Then came the text "Come see me momma".  I couldn't get to the hospital fast enough.

"Are we there yet?"

"Mark! You're driving too slow."

"Hurry up!"

We FINALLY got to the hospital and Goose met us in the hallway. I held it together until we walked in the room. Daulton was holding the sweetest baby that ever lived. She was smiling ear-to-ear. I have never seen her more beautiful.

"Do you want to hold him Momma?"

I sat in my chair and Goose brought me his son. And I fell in love all over again.

I began with "the world was forever changed". Kinda makes you wonder, doesn't it? How in the heck does one little baby change an entire world?

With kindness. And honesty. And loyalty. With bright blue eyes that lovingly hold your gaze until you know that you won't fail. With the strength of a million lions yet the softness of a herd of lambs. With color and words and hope beyond measure.

Yep. Hollis Keith Deason will change the world. Watch and see.

You Should See It In Color

Shelby had a birthday on September 28. I post EVERY year for her birthday. Not this year. I wanted to wait for her day to end so I could include everything. The next day we went hunting (yeah, gross). Work has been NUTS and before I could blink, November has hit and I'm just sitting down to write about my girl.

Shelby has been studying watercolor and the technique behind it as part of her requirement to graduate this year. I think it surprises her how much she enjoys it. She exercises her art every single day and she's REALLY good. I don't know what she will do to tie watercolor with her photography, but she will. You heard it here first. Watch for Shelby Deason Photography to CHANGE THE WORLD.

When Mark gets free time, he grabs his phone for music and disappears in his shop for a bit. He's ALWAYS calling me out to "listen to this song." "This is good music, right here." "Are you listening?" DRIVE'S ME CRAZY. "Yes, Mark, I hear it." "Yep. That's a good song." "I'm going in the house now." I roll my eyes and leave to his muttering "You aren't even listening."

But I do.

One of the songs he "wow-ed" over is Jamey Johnson's In Color.

A pictures worth a thousand words
But you can't see what those shades of gray keep covered
You should have seen it in color.

Shelby fills a room with color. Most times, you don't even notice the black and white until she strolls in and EVERYTHING changes. Color fills every nook and cranny and the family feels whole.

"Mom, did you know that watercolor is layered to make it look right?"

"No, I didn't. But that makes sense."

Why? Because my beautiful daughter is layered with honesty, loyalty, integrity, kindness and empathy. She will be the first to wrap her loving arms around those in need. She fears no one and will stand (right or wrong) with her shoulders squared.

The thing I admire most? That girl is ALWAYS searching to better herself. She is constantly learning and growing and genuinely wants the best for those around.

Yes. The world is black and white. If you're lucky, you get see color once in a while. Not me. I have Shelby. Color washes over me every single day.

I love this girl beyond words.

On September 28, 1991, color entered my world.

Thank you, Shelby. Thank you for your crazy. Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for your depth. Thank you for your love.

May this year bring more color to us all.

P.S. Shelby got engaged on her birthday.