Watching you grow up I have often been moved to silent awe...not an easy place (I'm sure you'll agree). Handsome and smart, eyes set firmly on the goals you've set for yourself, you've given me reason after reason to love you...respect you...honor you.
Tears fill my eyes when I think back to the days when you could watch "The Lion King" over and over for an entire day...and then the very next day watch "To Kill A Mockingbird" just as many times (while reciting each word from memory!). What a strange and wonderful 5-year old you were! lol
You were the laughter in our home from the time you realized you could make people laugh. How blessed I am to have the memories of all the crazy things you do and say...and to know that God has a special plan for you.
When I see the man you're turning into...the courage, the strength, the grace...the talent and the dedication...I know without a doubt that God is smiling at you.
As you begin the last of your teenage years, away from home and the people who love you best, I ask you to remember a couple things...
1) Nothing would make me happier in the years and decades to come than to watch you love God the same way He loves you. Don't ever forget about all the gifts He's given you.
2) Doing what you're doing now...serving our country....takes a special type of confidence, a rare gift. You can do whatever you want in life. I am more proud of you than I could ever put into words...not because of what you do...but because of the type of person you ARE.
Even now, that you're grown up and out of the house...you rarely miss a day of calling even if it's just to say "good night" and " I love you"...and I know how very blessed I am to have been chosen to be your mom.
You are a miracle...and I am grateful.
Grateful beyond words.
Whenever I wonder how much God loves me, I never have to look further than you.
Happy 19th birthday to my favorite son. May this be your best year yet!
I love you more than you know.
