jude- 6 years ago today- after 4 long years of waiting- you came into the world and changed things.
since week 20, we didn't know what would happen- people cried a lot- and we waited.
but then you arrived. and there was so much joy.
your perfect little face- your giant eyes- you were everything we were prepared you wouldn't be.
and we praised God for you- for your health- for your being- and we waited.
and you grew and smiled, walked, ran, talked, laughed and continued to bring us so much joy.
and we felt God in a new way- because we felt peace, even in the unknown.
and we were so thankful- because there were so many miracles.
you are quieter than your brother and sister. you watch- you reflect- you don't want center stage
but you are the glue that holds them together. you can manage up- you can manage down.
and you continue to amaze us.
you are in kindergarten now.
you have learned to write, to read, to add, to understand time, to jump rope.
your report card was four 100% and one 93%.
my boy who they thought wouldn't do these things- is shinning.
but what i'm most proud of is the award you won this year.
your class, 20 kindergartners, voted you 'the most generous'.
your body is strong, you mind is wise,
and my boy, my boy, your soul is so, so sweet.
when i see you sleep- i pause- and i see all that we didn't know, all that we waited for, all those days and months and years. i see it all flashing before me- and all that i learned- all of it worth it- all of it- even the darkness- i wouldn't trade one minute of it- because here you are.
