Who's watching 'The Boys?'

Eighteen years ago this December 29, our son, Steve's wife, Kathy gave birth to triplet boys. My wife and I immediately thanked God for healthy babies and began praying for our son and daughter-in law's mental stability. God is good all the time; All the time God is good. That's not to suggest it has not been a challenging journey for that family.

Change was sure to happen with multiple births, especially three boys who for 15 years could not pass by a sibling without offering an agitating touch, slap or push that would cause all hell to break loose every time. Another noted triplet-inducing phenomenon was the increased conversational volume. Why not? It is nearly impossible to hear yourself 'think' much less be heard when all parties were on deck. Sandwiched around the triplets is two older sisters. One married the second a high-academic achieving girl and the youngest a high-octane little sister.

'The Boys,' as they would often be referenced are all handsome specimens.  Carter picked up on second oldest sister, Loren's school achieving blueprint as he embraces desires to be 'first' in grades, which compliments his insistence to be 'first-in-line' for every thing else. Jake would be the most socially engaged triplet with anxiety filled saddlebags. And then there's Jamie, the carefree fun-loving spirit who has never been guilty of worry or focus.

As Jake and Jamie's senior basketball season was revving up to begin a few weeks ago, the family was concerned about Jamie's health. He appeared to be lethargic and fatigued with a need to sleep all the time. Was it mononucleosis? Was it some other mysterious illness? Clinic visits and repeated blood tests dismissed all guesses. Now into the basketball season both Jake & Jamie are performing well. Jamie seems to be physically back on his feet and apparently the mystery behind his sleep ailment was resolved. Several weeks ago, mother Kathy purchased some Melatonin sleep aids for anxious, Jake. The sleep pills were in the form of candy-looking gummy bears. You guessed it...Jamie thought it Was candy and was eating it as such. Let's hope the lad does not reach into a medicine cabinet for vitamins and mistakingly grab those adult male 'blue pills.' He might go missing.