Nearly a decade…. I can’t believe it, Ry. It’s been nearly a decade of hugs, kisses, cuddles and sweet, thoughtful conversations with you. Nearly a decade of reading books, exploring the outdoors, answering your questions, going on walks, praying with you, and tucking you in at night.
Being my firstborn… it’s amazing how much I remember about your sweet personality growing up… your likes, dislikes, and little quirks. I remember each major milestone as if it’s permanently etched into my mind. It’s so special being the first… in so many ways. You see, you will always hold such a sacred space in my heart, because you were the child who first made me a mother. The child who taught me patience, and an unfathomable type of love {the most exceptional form}, that which is unconditional.
When you were a baby, you loved looking at books from the earliest age. In fact, when you were only weeks old, you were completely mesmerized by my colorful psychology books placed on the shelves. When you were slightly older, you would wake up and spend several minutes thumbing through board books. If I came in before you were finished, you would get upset… indicating a desire for a few more minutes with your books. It was the sweetest thing! By the age of three, you were doing 100-piece puzzles in a flash! By the age of 4, you told everyone that when you grew up, you were going to be a Paleontologist. You have always loved learning… for the sake of learning! It is so beautiful to bear witness to….
You are a stellar example of a firstborn…. driven, determined, hard working, cautious, detailed, and a pleaser. I’ve always told you {with joyous tears in my eyes}, that God chose you to be our first for a reason. You are such an amazing example to your two younger brothers and little sister. You guide them, teach them, and pester them, too… just like any good brother should do!
I prayed for you…. long and hard before you were even conceived. I continue to pray over you… for a hedge of protection to surround you, for your salvation, for you to always be blessed by great friends and supportive, loving family. For you to always have a close bond with your three siblings. For you to grow up letting your inner light shine… all for the glory of God. I pray that you grow up to always think of others first {just like your daddy}… and to hopefully be a humanitarian, lending a helpful hand in what can be a dark world. I pray that you will discover God’s plan for your life and pursue it with vigor and passion. I’m already praying for your future spouse…. that whomever it is, comes from a vivacious, nurturing, and God-loving family. That you two will have a faithful, amorous, joyful, adventurous marriage… with lots of healthy children! I pray, whole-heartedly, that you will always love to learn, be challenged to grow, and have an adventurous spirit, like those in our family that have come before you.
Perhaps I shouldn’t mention this… but I don’t worry about your future a ton, Ry. I am confident that God has amazing plans for you. You are so kind hearted, smart…. and completely adorable! You are truly growing into such an amazing young man. Am I really calling you that? A young man…. Where did the time go?
I wish I could wrap you up in my arms and freeze you at this very moment! Or at the very least… bottle up all the overwhelmingly loving emotions and memories inside of me, allowing me to remember you perfectly at this age. However, since neither of those are a realistic option, I will just have to soak up each moment I get with you!
Happy Birthday, my sweet Ryan! Thank you for making me a mom nine years ago today! You fill my life with such immense happiness, laughter, and love! I love you so incredibly much… more than you could ever fathom! xo ~Mommy
