Dear DJ,
I knew this day was coming, but why am I so
shocked now that it is here? How can you be 18?!? WOW! The addition of a
brother to our family made us so much more venturesome! We knew from the very
beginning you would need a partner in crime, so we wasted no time in getting
you a brother to grow up with.
The story of your birth is a perfect illustration
of who you are- out of the box on your own time table, no parameters, alongside
friends, and full of adventure. You see, our neighbors, the Snyders, were also
expecting right around the same time. Stephanie and I would go on walks while
pregnant with you and Nathan. On the evening of the 28th, I started
to have labor pains. (Note- I was due in August). My doctor wanted me to come
in and get checked out because I was a high risk pregnancy. Sweet Stephanie
took me up to the hospital. We both walked in and the staff was just shocked to
see the two of us- big and pregnant- thinking they had two ladies in labor.
Haha! Needless to say, you came that evening. Stephanie gave birth to Nathan
the next morning.
I’ve loved being your
mother. You have taught me so much- especially in the realm of trusting God!
Ha! Your willingness to try new things and take risks stretches me! The rewards
of such a mentality are exponential! I love how you are so inquisitive. When you were a toddler, you would ask me, "What does that do?" alllllllll the time! By the time you were 3, you were fixing all your toys. Haha! I sincerely love the way you love God and you love
family. You are faithful, Dylan. We can always count on you! You can fix just
about anything- and for that- I am so grateful! Your work ethic just blows me
away. I know you will go on to be a successful electrician because you go hard
and you are not a quitter!
Now you are an official adult! CONGRATS! You
now have a new chapter to write. The canvas is blank, ready to be colored by
your God given gifts and talents. I have no doubt that the decisions you make
here in the years to come will advance you for your future life. Your
skillset and wisdom will carry you far. With much prayer and pondering, I have
decided to make you a list of 18 WORDS OF WISDOM that you can take with you in
the years to come.
1. Let God be your everything!
2. Thank Him for the breath He has given you
and use it to encourage and help others.
3. Cherish your family and do not be afraid to
be the leader of your family.
4. Take care of your body.
5. Work hard at what you love doing.
6. Always have financial wisdom! Always! Bring
in help if you need it.
7. Friendship is about quality, not quantity.
I know you know this!
8. Know what you want- keep your goals and
focus in front of you.
9. Accept and embrace change. This is what
life is all about.
10. Learn from your mistakes!
11. Always be learning and gaining knowledge
about this world and yourself.
12. Treat others the way you want to be treated and stand up for the weak.
13. Don’t worry too much! It’s a waste of
time!
14. Don’t settle for any girl- find one who
will push you and be your sidekick.
15. Nothing good happens past midnight!
16. Be proactive and take the time to make
wise choices and well thought out decisions.
17. Be okay with being different. J
18. No matter how old,
how grown, how successful, know your parents are always there for you.
Happy 18th birthday, Dylan
James! I love you so very much and I am so very proud of you.
XOXOXO,
Momma
