Happy 15th Birthday my sweet boy!

I am having a hard time with this one!  It seems like yesterday he was just learning how to walk, talk and everything in between. 

My Dearest Andrew,

You are my dear sweet "baby".  My gift from God.  He knew exactly what I needed to make my life complete.  When you entered this world I was in complete shock.  I was certain you were going to be a girl.  I was so overwhelmed with emotion when the doctor told me it was a boy.  I remember asking the doctor over and over, "Are you certain its a boy??" He reassured me he knew the difference. 

Today, as you turn 15, I find my self with so many emotions.  I am so very proud of you!  You are kind, sweet, determined, energetic, gentle, loving, affectionate, and so very funny.  I worry so much about you.  But with good reason.  From the beginning you have made my blood pressure skyrocket!  I remember you at the age of 5 climbing the ladder to the roof of our shed because you were going to be a fireman.  You said you needed to practice ventilation.  You read every book you could on fire fighting before you were 12 years old.

I have great hopes for you!  I hope you have the courage to pursue whatever God puts in your heart.  I hope you know how much I love you.  We have had a tough year as a family.  But between you and Father we have come through pretty much unscathed.  You yourself had a rough year with a knee injury and a bad hand injury.

Like anything life has thrown at you, you have come out on top and with a smile on your face.  You are such a special young man.  I'm not just saying that because I am your mom.  You have set goals for yourself from a very young age.  This year you have fulfilled one of those goals.  That is joining the fire department.  This is something we have in common.  I love that!

Your focus has been learning all you can about firefighting.  You have amazed so many people with your talent.  There is nothing you cannot do if you put your mind to.  You have a good head on your shoulders.  I pray you continue to let God direct your steps in life. 

Each year that passes I see you growing into a wonderful young man.  It hit me as I type this up, next year at this time I will be taking you to get your driving permit.  Yikes!  You are growing up so fast.  I love you so much!   I hope you have a very happy birthday!!  Father and I love you very much.  I am proud to call you son.