Happy Birthday, Luke

Luke,

Today you turned five. No longer fingers, but one entire little hand, or maybe not such a little hand anymore. It’s a wonderful walk to travel back to a time when it was just you and me. My days were consumed with everything you did. I was there for every smile, move, coo and diaper change. They were all mine. I spent countless hours playing with you on the floor, throwing balls and wiping tears. Your round cheeks are no more and you have grown into your ears. Your blue eyes are a reminder of the sleepless nights walking the hall, rocking and singing when the rest of the world was sleeping, your wonderful eyes looking up at me by nightlight. Your blue eyes remind me of sunny days, green grass and the big barn where we used to play. You stole my heart and forgave me, unknowingly, for the mistakes I made. Patience was something that you and I had to learn together, a road still traveled on. We have learned many lessons, some good some bad, but you have made me a better me. You are the one our Heavenly Father used to stir my hunger for knowledge and change. There is no other little boy like you. You are defiant, sincere, strong willed, kind, tenderhearted, stubborn, fun, gentle, emotional, selfish, loving and me… my best and worst qualities. There are many times, when I see where I have failed, but God prevails. You pray sincerely for people and things. You are my inspiration to pull my head out of the sand and have a purpose for the day. I love to discipline you, though at times I lack the wisdom and patience I should always have. You are quick to anger, but when all is said and done, you come away changed somehow and I am thankful that it is not because of me. I see the Lord working in your life and have no greater joy. What a rare treasure that God has formed. I love you dearly, no longer little boy. You are growing and changing and I am so pleased.