Thursday, November 6, 2014

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

This guy turned five, today!
His teacher told me it was a "no tear" day (progress) to which he responded, "It's because I'm five, now!"

I couldn't be more proud.

In the last nine months, I have seen this tenacity and commitment to persevere. A couple of weeks ago we taught the boys to ride their bikes without training wheels. Sweet Boy was the only one willing to try over and over and over, again, until he was riding with ease. As I ran alongside him, I heard his quiet chant "practice makes perfect - practice makes perfect - practice makes perfect..."

He's unassuming by nature, but his determination is unparalleled and seems to be fueled by a desperation to thrive. I thank God for his quiet, fighting spirit...he wouldn't have survived his circumstances without it.

I love all of my kids without debate, but I feel something special for Sweet Boy. His fight for normalcy has left deep wounds, but he never stops pushing through...and, all the while, he does it with a little song in his heart.

We turned DNA testing into a "date day with mom" and I soaked in the special one-on-one time that included making one very sprinkle-y birthday cake and learning how to kiss like a fish.

Our relationship has taken the most work, but that is, exactly, what makes it the most rewarding. I am so very grateful for the creativity in our story. I am thankful for the hardships and setbacks and emotional cliffs...because without them, I wouldn't be as kind, patient, or forgiving. And my heart wouldn't love without borders.

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. 
Romans 5:3-5 (MSG)

10 comments:

  1. So glad he had a great birthday! Give him an extra hug from me. So happy to see him spreading his wings!

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  2. Love this>>> I am thankful for the hardships and setbacks and emotional cliffs...because without them, I wouldn't be as kind, patient, or forgiving. And my heart wouldn't love without borders.

    Happy 5th sweet boy!!!

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  3. I think about sweet boy a lot lately. I know he has so many internal struggles. I'm praying for him Rebekah. Much love and keep posting. I know I am not the only one who loves hearing this amazing story play out!!

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  4. He really is such a Sweet Boy. Sounds like he is making some progress. And that is all you can ask for.

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  5. Aww, happy birthday to your "Sweet Boy" (well, you seem to have three of them - but to the one named that way!)

    Such a journey God has and continues to have him on - thank you for sharing it with us!

    Praying for all of you!

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  6. That is beautiful! Happy birthday Sweet Boy!!

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  7. Happy happy birthday Sweet Boy! What an amazing family you have!

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  8. I was praying for him yesterday. Glad he had a good birthday. :)

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  9. Happy birthday to an incredible young man!

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