Saturday, May 2, 2009

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!

9 comments:

TonyR said...

Happy Birthday 18th Trae!
You are such an awesome young man of God. What a testimony to your God, your family and friends.

Sandra thank you for sharing TJ's birthday with us.

Diane Shiffer said...

wow, what a special, *wonderful* young man you have raised♥ i only hope and pray my own little guy will turn out as well!
blessings to the birthday boy and his mama☺

LaSandra said...

Oh, that was so sweet! Congratulations to you on raising such a wonderful son. This post reminds me that I have so much to look forward to.

Unknown said...

That was BEAUTIFULLY put! Hallelujah for God creating TJ!!!
You are a blessed momma, and it shows. Is God goooooood, or what?!

Sharon said...

Watching our children grow up is such a happy/sad thing. I love the relationships I have with my adult children, but I miss having them here. May God continue to bless your son. He sounds like an awesome young man. -Sharon

Deanna said...

Love the way you've written these sweet birthday letters to your children.

Blessings to you all!

Melissa Norton said...

I know, myself, the past three years with Trae have really flown by... I can only imagine how fast those 18 years have been for you.
I really enjoyed reading about Trae's birth... I'm so glad you trusted in God and did what you did. Trae's life has made such an impact on so many people's lives, mine included! He is a wonderful God fearing man, and I am glad he has a great family to support him.
I can understand your tears as you write this... It is so full of love and thankfulness.
So many milestones this year with Trae huh? 18, graduating, looking toward college.... Trae says he isn't going to cry at graduation, but I have a feeling both you and I will be crying! lol
I'm really glad you posted this... I enjoyed reading it! :)

Tangee said...

What a wonderful testimonial. You give me hope for my sons who are only 7 and 4 right now. That's just awesome. I'm simply floored. Happy Birthday and Graduation to your son.

Titus 2 Thandi said...

Thanks for making me want to cry!Godly children, what a blessing.A testimony to the work God told you to do and that you did faithfully.When we come back from mission work, I KNOW I'll be picking your brain about this homeschooling thing.