Happy 5th Birthday!

Five years ago today, Adam and I received one of our greatest blessings, Luke and Gracie. Yesterday while Luke and I were outside playing I began to get a little teary eyed. As I watched Luke hit some balls, I was thinking "I cannot believe our little guy is five!" He is growing up so fast. The tears continued to stay as I thought about Gracie and wondered what she would look like today. It sometimes hurts to think she will always be three in our minds, and as Luke's birthday's come (since they share the same birthday) we will probably always go through this feeling. My hope is the hurt is a little less each year and that God continues to keep us focused on celebrating Luke, his life and all the love and blessings we receive from him. As all this was going through my mind, Luke said, " hey mom check out that butterfly, it is flying around your head." I turned so Luke would not see the tears, but then I smiled.

When Gracie passed I read this beautiful story on the life of a butterfly. It explained that it starts off as a caterpillar, then makes a cocoon and then after it has been there for sometime it moves on into another life as a beautiful butterfly. For Gracie's service we released butterflies, which to us represents a "New Life."

When Luke pointed out the butterfly while we were outside I could not believe it. It was as if Jesus wanted to remind us something. I feel that something was...Remember Gracie....miss her and shed tears when you need to, but then remember she is celebrating every day with Jesus and what a celebration that is! We will be sending her up five pink balloons today with a special note for her birthday! Luke always asks..."Mom, do you really think they it will make it up to Heaven.? Only God knows. : )

Today we woke up feeling God's new mercies and we are so very excited to celebrate our Luke's birthday! We thank God every day for giving us Luke, he has been such a blessing to us. For being only five he has the biggest heart! All that he has had to endure has made him a wise soul..he loves big, plays hard and most importantly has Jesus in his heart!

Things he loves:
-His family
-His friends
-His play friends (curious George, Gracie's doggy and pillow)
-School
-Cars
-Baseball
-Basketball
-Video Games
-Going to the park
-Riding his bike
-Riding his Ranger
-"New"Salsa Saturdays (Adam and him go down to the beach climb the rocks and then pick up Adam's favorite salsa)
-Reading books with mommy
-Playing with mommy and daddy
-Loving Abbey and playing with her
and so much more!!

I read this poem and loved it!
No amount of gold could ever compare, to the gift of love that my son shares.I've been blind and I couldn't see that all the love I've wanted is right here in front of me. He gives reason to get through another day. Maybe it's how he loves me in his special little way. And when it gets hard for me to sleep at night....He wraps his little arms around me and says God will make things right! From sweet gentle touches to his bear hugs and a kiss...That great big kool-aid smile and the twinkle in his eyes....Every time I look at him it makes me want to cry. But they're not tears of sorrow; they're tears of pride and joy....Too know that all the love in heaven is wrapped around my little boy. by Sabrina

Thank you God for entrusting us with Luke....we pray that we continue to be the parents that you called us to be. We also pray that you continue to help guide Luke, protect him and heal him.
Happy Birthday buddy we love you so much!!