Chosen

Prologue

September 20th, 2007

"Happy birthday, Rex!" The family and I all cheered for Rex as he sat next to his Batman cake, his smile size as ever as he giggled. I could see Rex's eyes reflecting the candle light perfectly. My little son was 7 years old today. He's so precious in everyway. I can already see him growing up to be a well respected man in any path he chooses to take. He takes so much after his father. I bet he's definitely smiling down on him today. I know he would be proud of what Rex is and will become in the near future.

I kneeled down next to Rex and told him to blow out the candles and make a big wish. He blew with all his might only being able to knock out 5 of the 6 candles. I helped him with the last one as we all cheered and clapped.

"What did you wish for little buddy?" I asked as I lifted him up into my arms. Surprisingly, this kid was still small enough for me to cuddle and mess with despite being 6 years old.

Rex got a little calmer, "I hope to grow up and be as big as Daddy! Then, once I'm big, I'll be just like him!" he was screaming to the top of his little lungs. The family got quiet as we all took a minute to take in the precious moment. I bet you're proud up there, aren't you honey?

"Oh and I bet you will dear, Daddy will always help you no matter what! Speaking of which, guess what Mommy bought you on the TV?...Christen Garcia's recital!"

Rex almost fell out of my grip as he gets down and races towards the TV, screaming his head off in joy. Ever since his father passed he's been really into the classical side of music but most importantly, Christen Garcia. It was his father's favorite musician and is one of the world's greatest. His ability to play French Horn was something that anybody, whether you were a band nerd or not, could relate to and understand in some way. It's weird how music gives us all that connection. Thats what made his father so appealing though, if anybody could understand music, it was his Dad and if Rex grows up to be anything like his father, he'll be a blessing to the world. All I could do was just sit and watch in joy as Rex's eyes were glued to the screen as Christen Garcia played. Rex turned around and looked at me with such a fire in his eyes...

"Mommy! When I grow up, I know how I'm gonna be like Dad! I'm gonna play exactly like Christen Garcia and be just as cool!"

I could feel the tears racing and streaming down my face.

"I bet you will baby, I bet you will..."