I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Samuel 1:27
Dear Avery,
I can not ever remember a time when I didn’t want to be a mom. Like so many little girls, I was rarely found without a baby doll on my hip. I had dozens of them … all named and each with their own pretend personality. I prepared myself as a child for the day that you would arrive.
And so it came, June 9, 2003 … the day that I’d waited my whole life for. The birth of a baby to be all mine. Would you be a boy or a girl? Only the ultrasound technician knew – you were a gift from God and our big surprise.
You entered this world so peacefully and easily. I’m not the least bit surprised when I look back now … that’s exactly how you are. Calm, well-behaved, and controlled – even 7 years later.
Little boy, your personality is so much like mine. I can look at you and read you from cover to cover without you uttering a word. I feel your pains and your joys. We have a special bond and friendship because of that, and although it makes me carry your weight a little heavier than I might otherwise, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love every little thing about you. Your smile can light up an entire room. I love that when you tell a story, you are so engaged that you can block out the entire world around you. I adore that you pick out the harmony parts to songs on the radio and don’t understand why other’s can’t do that too. I smile when I think about the fact that when you really LOVE something … you love it forever. (How many times have we watched the movie “Cars”? Or listened to the song “Fireflies”?) You love with your whole heart … nothing less.
Most of all, I thank you that even at the age of 7, you are already the glue of our family. It’s you, sweet little boy, that invented “Click Family Game Night”. And even when your dad and I would rather just watch you and Piper play, you are the one that insists that we can only play a 4 player game or it doesn’t count as “Family Game Night”. And, in the end, I’m always glad that you did.
You, Avery, are my joy and light. And, although I shutter at the mere thought of you being 7, I can not wait to see where you go in the future. The world is yours and I’m behind you wherever it takes you.
Happy Birthday, Punky … you’re the sweetest child I’ve ever known.
I love you,
Mommy
