18 and still the best Mother's Day gift.

 Man of the Woods,

18 years old. I remember the day you were born. I was exhausted after 29 hours of labor and you were the biggest baby on the floor at 8 lbs. 9 oz. You were born the night before mothers day. It was that morning that I feel like I really had the chance to count your toes, and inspect the shape of your ears I know a weird Ma thing to do, but I can still see your tiny ears in that hospital room as you contentedly slept in my arms.

For years you hated the church nursery, I wasn't sure how you were going to make it in Kindergarten, but when the day came from across the room you signed I love you with a big smile on your face. Just before you turned to run into the classroom your hand explode into imaginary fireworks. Off you went full of confidence, ready to conquer the world. When the time finally came to pick you up, you excitedly hopped into the car with a million and one stories to share about your day.

You are the first born, constantly birthing me into parenthood. Do you remember when you were about 9 years old and you hated school? Finally you announced to me that you no longer needed to put effort into school, because soon you were going to move into the woods to be a logger like Old Grandpa was. but were you disappointed when you learned that laws were now in place that required you to attend school until you were at least 17. Sure enough the summer you turned 17, you decided it was time to earn your HISET (GED). You're reasoning was slightly more thought out, but still you didn't see the need to fill another year with classes you didn't intend on using in your adult life. You still have your eye set on those woods, although I think it's actually the cliffs hidden within the woods that call to you these days. 

Always marching to the beat of your own drum, setting goals and achieving them. It was around the same time you decided you would work in the woods, that you also ran across some Boy Scouts. They made a paracord bracelet for you. While they worked you asked questions, by the time they were done you were convinced you would someday be an Eagle Scout. And 11 years later, after many adventures, campouts, service projects, merit badges, you did it. 19 days before your 18th birthday.

I've gotten a front row seat to all of it. I've watched you grow through challenges, and epic fun. You've learned to be thought out in your decisions. Most of all you've grown into a man that leans deep into the Word, and follows the voice of the Spirit. This is my prayer for you as you step into adulthood, that you would hold tight to this practice of leaning deep in the Word. Over and over we see that those who lean into God's Word are the ones who both find delight and bring delight to their Creator (Check out Hosea 6:6; Deuteronomy 8:3; Psalm 119:16, 24, 35, 92, 143). It's those same people that also know the voice of their Shepheard.

One final interview as you step into adulthood.

Who is your favorite superhero? Spiderman

What's your favorite saying? Oof that's rough buddy.

Where is your favorite place to eat? Five Guys

What's your favorite book or book series?  The Bible, does that count?

What's something special to you? My family and friends, pretty sure that's what I always say.

What's your favorite color? That's a hard question because it depends on the shade of blue...Green. I like more shades of green. I'm going with green.

What's your favorite thing to do? Calisthenics, that probably what I do the most.

What's your favorite memory from this past year? That's another hard question... I did a lot of things this year. I got my license, graduated, earned my Eagle rank, got a job. Let's go with earning my Eagle rank.

What do you want to be when you grow up? These questions get harder every year... How open ended can I be?...How about I want to be a child of God and I'll leave my career option open.

Kid, I'm proud of you and all that you've accomplished. I am grateful for all these years with a front row seat into your life. I can't wait to see what adulthood brings. Ma rog pentru tine si te iubesc.

-Ma