To Josh

I have prayed for you, Josh, from the day I knew of your existence.
When you grew inside me, all I wanted was a healthy child.
My prayers were answered when they laid you in my arms and I looked in your eyes.
I realized that you were beautiful, complete, and belonged not to me, but to God.
And it was then that we dedicated you to the Lord – giving back to Him
The greatest gift we had been given – the opportunity to be your parents.

As you grew throughout your first year, I realized you looked much like Papa.
When you were young, he was your hero and he loved your more than you will know.
It was wonderful to watch the two of you together
Playing, talking, reading – and him encouraging you in each endeavor.
As you grew, I feared that would change
But you continued to look up to him, your hero, your father.

The last quarter century has gone by in the blink of an eye.
You were my tiny treasure I held close as long as I could.
But you had to grow and I had to let go,
First, your hand, and then your ♥ I had to let you go
As you became a young man.

There has been much laughter over the years, Josh.
There have been many tears as well. I have felt emotions high
When I was thrilled for you for the accomplishments
And low when worried for you over your decisions.
But you have grown into a fine young man,

And one day soon, there will be a young woman for whom I have prayed
Almost every day since you were born.
She’ll come into your life and you will truly leave us and unite with her
And you will call her your wife.
The two of you will hopefully have a family of your own
And you will realize the joy of having a son or daughter to love.

I look at you today and realize how blessed I am
To have been blessed by the Lord God to be your mother
And to raise you to be a wonderful, caring, loving young man.
Your father and I are more proud of you than you will know
Until that day when you proudly hold a child of your own
In your loving arms.