to Silas on your thirteenth birthday,

February 19, 2019

My sweet Silas,

I love you SO much! It’s impossible to even explain. You are one of a kind, sweet boy, and you have made my world so much better since the day you entered into it. Nothing could have prepared me for the love I would have for you then, and the love I have for you now.

My mind is literally spinning. It seems impossible that you are a teenager. That I have a teenager?! And you know, I have alllll the tears. Naturally, as a mom, I look back and wonder how we got here so quickly. I think of all the times we have shared together - the experiences, the joys, the hardships. There has been so much laughter and plenty of tears. If I chose to, I could beat myself up over mistakes I've made. You are our first born. The guinea pig in some ways. I'm not always easy on you and tend to have bigger expectations. No doubt, there are things I wish I could go back and do differently. But I would never change YOU! I see the gifts that God has given you and the potential you have to change the world. You have been so uniquely gifted and I believe if you use those gifts HE has given you for HIS glory, He will do great things through you.

As you transition into your teenage years, I pray that you:

*Seek after God and what He desires to teach you.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33

*That you place your hope in Him and remain open to all the new experiences that come your way. "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

*That you step out of your comfort zone and do things that may feel a bit uncomfortable! This is how you GROW! "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

*Never change who you are for anyone. Hold onto that quick wit, that desire to not be like everyone else, and use that incredible intelligence for good. "For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalm 139:14-16

*Do your best in everything you do.

"Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men." Colossians 3:23

Silas, I believe God has HUGE things for your life and I pray that you will come to know God even more and be open to what He wants to show you. Listen to that still small voice. Dig deep into His Word and take it to heart.

I could not be prouder of the young man you are becoming. Seriously, you blow me away. You are kind, you are an amazing brother, the BEST son a mom could ask for, you are beyond brilliant, and have the best sense of humor. I could write a book of how great I think you are. You mean the world to me and I love you more than words. Never ever doubt that.

All my love,

Mom

Obviously, your entire life is documented through photos. There are way too many to go through at this point. I pulled together some of my faves. I love you, my boy.