Trae It's Your 18th Birthday!

Where has time gone? When I got up this morning and realized that your a young man now. I had so many emotions at the thought of you turning 18 today. Today is special in so many ways.

I thought you were going to be born before May 2, 1991 because of all the complications during my pregnancy with you. During the last trimester of my pregnancy I started having severe abdominal pain. The doctors and specialist couldn't figure out at first what was wrong. I found myself at the hospital multiple times before they found out what was causing the pain. It was the incision from the c-section that I had the prior year. I had an amniocentesis which revealed that your lungs weren't developed. I choose not to have until your lungs were fully developed. The doctors advised me against that, but I didn't want to take a chance with your life. I knew in my heart that God had a plan and a purpose for you. So I decided to go on bed rest and it was the best decision I ever made. You were born so strong and healthy.

You were always so independent, but yet you knew when to call mommy. You may not remember that day you were sitting in the highchair, but I do. I was trying to feed you a peanut butter & jelly sandwich for lunch. You kept turning your head and wouldn't eat. I then turned to Ruthie and put her in the booster chair. When I looked around, you had picked up your sandwich and started feeding yourself. That was a milestone and a memory that I will cherish forever.

Now look at you. You're this wonderful God fearing young man whose passion is to preach the Gospel. You make us proud for taking a stand for what's right.

After years of homeschooling you, you decided you wanted to go and make an impact on your classmates. We were so confident that if anybody could do it, it's you. I love that fact that you decided not to be a closet Christian on campus. You've followed our advice to live the life and just love the people. I'm amazed at the testimonies you share with me about who you witness to and how they respond. God has given you such an open during your last year in high school. You've spread your wings so wide and soared beyond my wildest dreams. Mommy is crying as I write this. I never regret for one moment all the years I spent at home raising you guys. Yes we gave up a lot living on one income, but we've gained so much more. The time I spent with you was well worth it.

You graduate in less than a month, May 30th. You're such a testimony to our family that hasn't come to know Jesus as their Savior. You are the first male in my family to graduate high school. Your aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers are all rooting for you. As you know Dad and I are you're biggest cheerleaders. We say "you go TJ!"

Son I also want to encourage you and let you know that there's a girl out there praying for you. She's singing that song by Rebecca St. James. She's keeping herself for you, just as you're keeping yourself for her. She will come in God's timing.
BTW.....Congratulations again on becoming the 2009 Lewiston High School Prom King!