Oh my goodness gracious...

could it really have been 13 years ago tonight

that your daddy and I were walking down 38th Avenue,

hoping that you would be born?

It was 3 am, and not a very friendly neighborhood,

but we didn't care because we so badly wanted to meet you. 

And then, there you were

(not on 38th avenue, but in the hospital a few hours later),

precious and small

and perfect in every way.

Oh how we loved our new little boy.

Adam, you have been a delight to your dad and I since the day you were born.

We were so inexperienced,

but you made it easy on us.

Even as a little boy, you were sweet and kind and cared about others more than yourself.

I remember the one time that you pushed another child.

I sat you up on the counter, looked into your teary eyes, and told you that you could never do that again.

And you never did.

As you've grown, your dad and I have been so grateful for how you value people, rather than things.

I love the way that you love...

so fully and so generously.

You always see the best in others and love them for who they are.

From the time that you were three years old until you were ten, I prayed a special prayer for you every single night.
I prayed that you would know God in ways that I could not even think or imagine.

When you were ten, that prayer was answered.

God met you in a special way at that time in your life. You began to have a depth of love for God that even at age 30 (when I began praying that prayer), I couldn't have imagined possible.

Your love for God has grown even more since that time.

It is a joy to see you worship.

I love to see how you give yourself to God in prayer.

I love to hear how God speaks to you.

All of these things are a delight to my soul.

Adam, it is so much fun to be with you.

You get your serious side from both your dad and me.

But, dad has a little bit of craziness wrapped up in all of that seriousness.

And I'm glad that you have that same fun-loving spirit.

(I think that your brother is glad about that too!!!)

Adam, I know that you never look for praise from people.

You don't want to be noticed for the things that you do.

But, I can't help but thank God for the sort of young man that you are becoming.

You are a gift, my precious son.

Happy 13th Birthday, Adam.

We love you...

to the moon and back.