To my Oldest . . .

This time 15 years ago (did I really just type that??? 15 years????), your dad and I (and whole bunch of other people) anxiously awaited your arrival. Sometime after 9:00 that night, you made your grand entrance, and your dad and I were forever changed. 

We were both so young and so inexperienced, but thankfully, God placed many people in our lives that gave excellent advice and helped us to become the parents you needed us to be. When you were three months old, God did the unthinkable and called us to move to New Orleans . . . EIGHT hours away from both sets of grandparents! However, God used that time in our lives to create our family of three, cementing a bond that could not be broken. Papa used to call us the “Three Amigos”. As long as we were together, everything was just fine. (And I must say that God gave us such wonderful friends who became our family while we lived in Louisiana.)

You have had lots of transition in your 15 years, but have always been, and remain so to this day, so flexible. So eager to make things work, wherever you are, no matter the situation. 

When you were 2 1/2, we made another move, and you became a big brother. Will, you are an excellent big brother. You have leadership skills and wisdom beyond your years. Dad and I can ALWAYS count on you to step up to the plate. 

The middle of your second grade year brought another move, and by that time you had another brother and a soon to be sister!! The move to Douglasville brought with it a love for baseball and the Georgia Bulldogs (Thanks Pritchard family!!). 

Here, you’ve grown into the young man we always dreamed you would be. In fact, you have far exceeded our expectations. You are so smart and not just about school stuff!! You know something about everything – sports, politics, churches. Everyone remarks how talking to you is like talking to an adult. 

You are so handsome (I know that’s kind of like bragging on myself since you look just like me!!!) As you walked into school this morning, I was taken aback at how good-looking you are! 

You are compassionate and have the heart of a servant. You love without question. My heart nearly bursts at the thought of how you’ve so willing love your newest sister. At a time in your life when things would most likely be all about you (driving, thinking about college, playing ball), you find joy in blowing bubbles and pushing Lexi on the bike . . . in hearing her shout, “New-ell!” 

But above all, Will, your greatest characteristic is your love for Jesus. He so clearly shines through you, and we could not be more thankful for your walk with the Lord. Always remember that only He deserves your allegiance. Only He deserves your loyalty, your adoration, your praise. Over the next few years, many things will vie for first place in your life, but let me remind you to . . .

Never give up. 

Never give in. 

Remember who you are and whose you are. 

He is enough! 

Your life will always bring transitions and challenges, but God will never change.  

Happy Birthday, Will  . . . my first . . . my oldest.

Your dad and I couldn’t be prouder. You are so loved.

With all my heart,

Mom