Griffin was born on February 22, 1989 in Madison, Wisconsin. I remember our neighbors at the time were wondering what we were going to name him as we had unusual names for our first two children, Brittany and Harrison. My friend Maggie told everyone his name was George Washington Mershon because he was born on his birthday. Story is they believed her! My son as a small child was in constant motion and because he is just 18 months younger than his brother he was constantly watching Harrison and trying to do what he did. I remember when I was trying to teach Harrison to tie his shoes. He was 3 and Griffin was just 2 years old. I sat between them on the sofa and worked with Harrison for a 1/2 hour when Harrison proclaimed he was never going to learn to tie his shoes and left the room To my amazement Griffin said "watch this"! He tied his shoe! He patiently watched as we over and over again tied shoe laces and then he just did it. Griffin had many friends during his child hood and he still kept in touch with many of them. My son had some bad times in high school and started skipping school and was into drug use. He lost his way for a while and didn't finish high school with his class. Something he regretted later so he did online courses and his wonderful counselor at school kept encouraging him to finish. When he did she presented him with his high school diploma. A year and a half late, but he did it. He left in June to go to the Cordon Blue Culinary school in Scottsdale, Arizona He had found his passion and that was cooking! For the first time he looked forward to school and was focused on finishing and opening his own restaurant. I guess he took after his grandfather who owned several restaurants himself. I want to share with you something else about my son that you might not know. He loved Jesus Christ and had committed his life to Him. I'd like to share the last text message that I received from him. Mom: What do you need? Griff: God. I need Jesus Christ Griff: I need to pray and need you to pray as well. I'm slipping and this is just to much without Christ. Mom: Stop where you are and just pray. Tell God you are tired of doing things your way and you'll do whatever he wants you to do. Ask Him to make it crystal clear to you. Griff: O.K. Will you pray too? Cuz this is one situation I can’t skeem my way out of. Mom: I Am. Griff: I love you Mom Mom: Me too If that was the last text a mother could receive I believe it is the most important one. I know that my son is in heaven with his Father who is holding him in his arms. I know someday I"ll see him again and what a wonderful day that will be. For all of you who knew him and loved him - Thank you