It’s awfully hard to believe, but John is celebrating his nineteenth birthday today. I am so proud of the young man he has become, and grateful for the supreme blessing of being his mom. I vividly remember the moment I first laid eyes on all eight pounds of him. At the time he seemed huge :-) And now, when I glimpse him walking into a room he takes my breath away. Where did the years go?
While John’s story is his to tell, every now and then I take the liberty of bragging about him. He’s driven, hard-working, kind, a leader, easy to befriend and has a pretty fantastic sense of humor. He is thriving at Auburn. His grades look outstanding, he was initiated as a brother in the Sigma Chi fraternity, he adores his roomies and has expanded his network of friends ten fold. Auburn is a tremendously special place and I am thankful he has that precious town to call his second home.
Even with all of the new and shiny things that come with entering college, John has stayed close with this incredible group of friends. They’ve traveled to see each other when they can, and have reveled in getting to share the unique experiences they are all having as young adults. That they have maintained their friendships across many schools, miles and states reminds me of the Girl Scout moniker “Make new friends, but keep the old; One is silver, the other is gold.”
As we look towards tomorrow and the years to come, I pray that John remains grounded in God’s love, and that he knows that his family loves him unconditionally. I pray that he always sees his self worth, and that he can walk upright in integrity and good conscience with his decisions and choices. I pray that he is courteous and chivalrous, because I know those things aren’t dead. I pray that he is warm, true, trustworthy and respectful in his relationships, and that those in his circle are the same. I pray that he is hard working, yet generous with his time and resources, and that he enters his workplace and school each day with a good attitude, humbleness and appreciation for the opportunity to be there. I pray that he can be uninhibited in his happiness, know true joy, and that he always sees the glass as half full. I pray that he understands he isn’t invincible and that he knows just how precious his life truly is. I pray for John’s future wife and that he will enrich her life, treasure her, respect her, protect her, provide for her and trust her.
Godspeed, son. You are loved beyond measure.
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Happy Birthday, John! 💙🧡 What a beautiful tribute, Amanda. ❤️ Jane 🌴
Happy 19th John! I am right behind you on the 30th but I have a few (well more than a few) years on you. Looks like you had some great days of celebrating and enjoying all your favorite food and places. I picked out some boots for my birthday too, but they aren’t as sharp as yours! Enjoy your special day and your mom did a beautiful job on your gift which I know you will always treasure.