Sweet P is Two!

Happy Birthday Patrick!

"For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me the petition that I made to Him." 1 Samuel 1:27

No doubt, I prayed for all of my children, but this one was a different kind of prayer.  The prayer I prayed for my little "dream" baby, started in the heart of a child.  It was a child like prayer that I uttered almost daily until two years ago.  It would wax and wane, then the desire would grow to an intensity that scared me sometimes.  

I wanted to adopt a child.  At first, it was just that - something I wanted.  Later, though, I knew God was the one who put the desire in my heart.  He wouldn't let me forget it, even when I thought it would never happen and I tried and tried to let it go.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity to wait, He spoke to Stan.  Then, the pace picked up.  Oh my, we went from dream to flesh and blood in arms in three weeks.  It was amazing, and only God could have done it.  I wouldn't trade one second of the agony of waiting in exchange for this particular boy.  He was meant to be part of our family from the beginning of time.  I have no doubt whatsoever of that. 

Patrick, when I look at you, I see a boy who has changed our lives. You have opened us up to a whole new world.  You have blessed us in more ways then we could have ever imagined.  Being your mom is a privilege, and I am still in awe that God trusted me to raise you.  

Every day, when I look at you and see your sweet smile, I am amazed all over again that you are mine.  Watching you grow brings us all great joy, and your zest for life brings laughter to our lips no matter what kind of day we are having.  During our recent move, you have really helped us keep it together.  It is impossible to be too sad when an inquisitive and oh so cute toddler resides in your midst.  Every day you learn and say new things that keep us laughing.

Yesterday was your birthday and we spent the day doing all the things you love.  Bryce took you to Build a Bear and you got to make your own teddy bear, which of course, you named "Choc Bear."  You LOVE chocolate and anything brown is "choc."  After that, we spent a few minutes at a park while the other kids had art class and then you napped on the way home.  In the evening, we took your chocolate cake and take out dinner to the "Choo Park" your favorite place in the whole world!  We played in the water, ate cake, and rode the train!  Your day was complete.

As it did last year, your birthday brought to my mind memories of your birth mom.  We pray for her every day and you are learning to bow your head and say her name out loud to God.  We pray that one day she comes to know Jesus in a personal way and we thank Him that she chose life for you.  We are well aware that there were other choices she could have made and every day we thank Him for sparing your life and entrusting us to raise you.  We thank Him for the lady who carried you the first nine months of your life and we pray in faith that one day He will draw her to Himself.

Sweet P, you have given us more joy in two years than you can ever know.  We all love you from the depths of our hearts and pray that you grow into a man who walks with your Savior - all the days of your life.