Yep, 16 years ago tonight, the Kelln Klan was shacked up in a rental house in Waynoka.  Our home north of Waynoka had flooded that summer.  We had holed up in an apartment in town for a couple of months and then moved into an available house in town.  Tammy was now past 9 months pregnant.  She was HUGE.  We knew that it was going to be a boy.  The old German ladies in Shattuck had called it early that Tammy was going to have a boy.  They could just tell and they were right.  We weren’t suprised when the Dr. showed us the ultra-sound showing us the evidence of a future Kelln son.  

Kela was 10 when Duke came along.  She was excited to be getting a baby brother.  But then, on Nov. 30, 2000, the night before Tammy was to be induced to hatch this kid, Kela had a change of mind.  She locked herself in the bathroom and wouldn’t come out.  She had decided that she did NOT want a baby brother.  I mean she wanted to send him back.  She liked being an only child.  It took a lot of coaxing to get Kela to come out of the bathroom.  Now, I’m pretty sure that she would trade me in before her “little” brother.  The next morning, we were all present as Duke finally decided to enter this world.  As a sign of things to come, he was not in any hurry to get here.  Some things never change.  

Now, on the eve of Duke’s 16 th birthday, I realize that he is a teenage boy.  At times, he can do things that make you think that he is 12.  But most of the time, he will make very mature decisions.  He can do things that are well beyond his years.  He fits in well with older people.  I absolutely love how Duke treats other people–he is great with little kids, fits in well with his own age and older kids.  He absolutley treats his elders with respect.  As mild mannered and easy going as he always seems, there is an extreme fire that burns inside him.  You can cross him but do NOT cross his friends or family.  He will stand his ground!  He’s a great kid and without a doubt my favorite son.  As a bonus, he can shake a hand.  Try it.  He brings it.  

But, now he is turning 16 and yes, he will not be getting his driver’s license on this day.  His parents will stand their ground as he hasn’t taken care of school-work in a proper manner.  Grounded is the term.  His fault. Nobody elses’.  Plus, he’s driven more than his share of miles without the proper paperwork.  He can earn the right to be legal.  

I look at this kid and realize that he is the tallest person in this household (and still growing).  His work ethic and his morals are excellent.  His love of the outdoors, Waylon Jennings & Johnny Cash music, his dog, John Wayne movies and the desire to help others is awesome.  

Some have mentioned that Duke won a lot early in his show career.  He has had a perfectly steady career with some points higher than others and some a little lower than others, but actually a really steady line.  Exactly in Duke fashion–he has just taken care of business.  If you ask him his highlights of showing, he will either mention a pig show at Phoenix, a div. 1 champion goat at Tulsa named Lil Stevie Peaches or in true Duke fashion, he will tell a story of some show where one of his friends won and he got to help.  

I won’t trade him for any other kid.  However, I would gladly trade the feed bill that is tied to this kid.  My goodness, he goes through a lot of steaks and pizza rolls.  

P.S.  And speaking of babies, CONGRATS to the Sweet family on the newest addition.  James will gladly show you baby pics if you call him Grandpa.