GLC . 5 years

my firstborn,

dear son, if you could truly know the gift you are to me. you are, in the flesh, grace given in a child. from your first cry, i didn't need anyone to tell me that you were indeed a son. i knew it all along and i couldn't wait to hold you close. and in that very instant you made me a mother. i never knew something so wonderful as to love you.

you have always been the one. the one that can make me smile even through the tears. the one always with an encouraging word. the one that reminds me of the rules. the one that helps me to understand what it means to be tender. the one that leads. the one that never forgets. the one that's confident mostly. the one that over achieves. the one that tries and fails but will always try again. the one that knows that i need you grey bear. that's the one.

i am watching and i see you growing into a young boy. things you were once timid of, you are conquering without fear. you want more responsibility and assure us that you can handle it. you are always willing to help in even the smallest of tasks. you continue to take in the world around you and connect the dots left and right. you have done this since day one. i watch and i see the beautiful way that God made you. for Him grey bear. i need you to know it's all for Him.

i see you watching your daddy and learning. what a wonderful example to see. you do love so tenderly. you lead your brothers well.

i need you to know that i have never known a love so great as for my child. the day will come when you are grown and we gently let you go. but all the things i'm learning along the way in the days that i live with you and eat with you and talk with you and walk with you, are the days that i am loving much.

happy 5th birthday grey. it's a pleasure to watch you grow.