Birthday Boy and the Coughing Game

On August 25th, 2008 my youngest son Micheal Sterling Vollrath was 25 years old.

I didn't want to go out that day as my asthma was as bad as it gets. I never wanted Cordelia my 11 month old grand daughter to see me in such bad shape. I couldn't keep from coughing and I was afraid that would scare little Cordelia.

It was my son's birthday so of course I had to go. I love Micheal so much. We never had a strong connection when he was growing up but our adult relationship has been wonderful. Oh, we still fight over things now and then but one of us says he's sorry and we move on. I'm very proud of Micheal and how good a husband and father he is.

I meet Amanda, Micheal and Cordelia at a Lee's Summit restaurant. Lee's Summit is about halfway between Kingsville Mo. and Independence Mo. As I pulled into the restaurant parking lot I saw my little grand daughter holding on to her father's hand walking in half circles.

My grand daughter looked smaller to me. She was a toddler now and walking her baby fat off with pride glowing from her face. Her father was my little boy and seeing the two together warmed my heart. As I got out of my car and walked towards them Cordelia looked up at me, so proud she was a world class walker now. In that moment she was the most beautiful child in the world to me.

We went into the restaurant and Amanda my Daughter-in-Law had got us a table. As I sat down I began to cough. I looked at Cordelia worried she would be scared. She was laughing and looking at me as if to say, what new game is this grandfather? This made me laugh and cough more and in turn Cordelia laughed more.

The next day Micheal and Cordelia came to see my parents at the Vollrath Complex in Kingsville. I began coughing again and this time Cordelia made little coughing noises. Everyone laughed. I've never had so much fun having asthma before.