Dear JP,

I’m writing this from a seat of very raw emotion tonight. For several reasons. One being, I can’t believe you’re thirteen years old. I swear I was sitting in my front porch swing just yesterday praying God would allow me to bring you home from Guatemala. Today, I sat with you at Sticky Fingers (🤢) watching you eat your favorite chicken and celebrate (very loudly) with your best friends.

Time flies.

It’s been a ride, hasn’t it? Our life. Overflowing with an abundance of ups and an equal amount of downs. The downs have been hard, but they’ve shaped you into the young man you are today. In the words of Chandler Bing, “Could I BE more proud?!”

You’re smart, kind, thoughtful, hilarious, creative, quirky and curious. Oh, and you have THE MOST contagious laugh! I really love your laugh.

I do not have words to adequately express how happy you’ve made me over the past thirteen years. Of all the gifts God has given me, (and He’s given me a lot), you’re the most precious. I thank Him every single day for you.

We’ve learned the hard way that life can be unpredictable. Seasons shift with the wind and our hearts sometimes have to adjust to change. But you can always count on me.

My love. My support. My devotion.

I will always be here for you. There’s nothing you can do to change that.

You’re stuck with me.

Happy birthday, JP. You are and always will be the love of my life.

Love,

Mom