To My Decade-Old Son:
Ten short years ago on this November day, you made your grand entrance into the world with fully-developed lungs and 8lb. 2oz of exuberance. We had been told, "Your world will forever be changed," but little did we know how much that would be true. The nurses wrapped you in the white-striped blanket, placed the standard pink-and-blue crocheted hat on your peach-fuzzed head and rested you in our arms. Those little sharp elbows and heels that had been kicking my side constantly were now in my embrace. At last.
The fact that you're turning double digits reminds me that the years pass by with a simple blink of the eye. There are millions of things I love about you, but here are some of my top ten:
1) Your compassionate heart is contagious.
2) Your competitive spirit drives you to always try your best.
3) Your care for those in the world teaches me to see others through the lens of Christ.
4) Your adventurous heart leaves no rock unturned.
5) Your joy for life shows me that life is short and to take snapshots of every moment.
6) Your determination demonstrates that the impossible really can be possible.
7) Your grass-stained, holed-filled jeans says without words that you play hard and love to have fun.
8) Your memory has stored up knowledge that blows me away and Bible verses that are close to your heart when life hits.
9) Your laughter fills every centimeter in our home.
10) Your energy drove me to my knees in exhaustion when you were one, and now I will never be exhausted from walking alongside you to see how you use that energy for life itself.
It is my prayer as you continue to grow and mature that we have given you a base where you understand what unconditional love looks like, to be respectful to those around you, to treat others better than how you would want to be treated, to understand what it looks like to walk a mile in
 |
| A rattler in Mississippi |
another's shoes, to clothe yourself with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control, and to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind. And also maybe one of these days you won't leave your jacket somewhere when you take it off!
Every day I thank the Lord for the gift of you, and wonder what in the world we did to get such an amazing blessing that is your life in ours. It is a joy and honor to be your mom. I love you, Baby. And yes, I will always call you my baby.
Love Always and Forever,
Mom
 |
| Running through tulip fields in Oregon |
 |
| Hand in hand with Gabrielle in Mexico |
 |
| Always exploring...sea anemones along the California coast. |
