Faith across the ocean, Love around the world: 8 Years Old!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

8 Years Old!

Today, you are eight years old. Today, we have been a family for one whole year. It has been a lifetime that you have been part of me. It has not been nearly enough. For the last two months you have been reveling in the fact that this day has been coming – a birthday all your own. A day you do not have to share with any other children who happen to have September birthdays.

For the first time in eight years, you know when your birthday is, and we are all going to celebrate it with joyful abandon.

But recently, too, when the lights are out and you are having trouble falling asleep, you ask me quietly, “Where were you, Mommy, for my other birthdays? I had so many other birthdays and you were not there.” For years we waited for you, and you were waiting for us. I would give anything to go back in time to heal those hurts and be with you every year on your birthday and every day in between. And as I tell you every day now, I might not be able to do that, but I will promise to be with you for all of your birthdays in the future. We’re stuck together now, kid, and I could not love you more if you were born to me.

You have grown (3 inches in 9 months!) and changed so much over the past year. You are not the frightened, angry little boy who came home with us a year ago. Now, you are a confident, funny, sweet little guy who enchants everyone he meets and brings joy to his family each day. Your family and the folks at your school have dubbed you “The Mayor” because everyone knows you – you’re never shy, you are friendly to everyone, and always have your famous smile and wave for everyone you see, whether it’s a kid at school or the lady at the deli counter.

We always knew we would love the child that God would bless us with. We were exceptionally lucky, I think, to be blessed with the most remarkable boy ever – you. Never think for a single minute that you are not loved. You are loved forever and always, to the moon and back. Happy 8^th birthday, Little Dude.