HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this one. This one born to a young naïveté. I did not know how to be a mother. I was not worthy to receive this gift. I was no more than a child myself. But what a gift he was. And I received it with open arms and an open heart. My heart has been full for 40 years.
Having Andrew was nearly like playing house with a live baby doll. He was such a delight, from the very start. Always curious and alert and questioning. From a tender age, he seemed to have an understanding of life. Or at least a driving desire to understand it.
Teachers would often tell me that Andrew seemed to be disengaged in school, to be a dreamer. I fully believe that he was already contemplative about how best to impact the world.
When Andrew was in 5th or 6th grade he told that he did not have time for school. He had far bigger things to do. How true that would be.
Andrew has always had a heart for justice and a passion for change. He once nearly had a fight with a father at the bus stop because this father was allowing his son to make fun of another child. I, of course, gently stepped in. But a part of me so wanted Andrew to punch him in the nose. Andrew the Crusader.
What a man he has become, though by some miracle of God, he was born a man. Another mystery of life.
He lives a disciplined life. He passionately seeks the Lord and the Lord’s hand is upon his head. He passionately seeks truth and he finds it. He passionately seeks love and he found it.
He earns credibility and respect. He honors deep friendships. He merits the admiration and adoration of those blessed to be in his light.
I trust Andrew with all things. I trust all three of my son-gifts. I trust their opinions and thoughts and knowledge and experience. I trust their eyes and their ears and their spirits.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this one. My first born. My heart. My friend.