Happy Birthday Clay

You are 26 today! When you were born, I could not see this far into the future to imagine what you would be like as an adult. Of course I hoped and prayed for a son to grow into a godly man. Together your dad and I worked hard to instill values and habits that would honor the Lord and gave you skills to be independent and a positively contributing member of society. We prayed for you and for your friends. We took you to church, invested in athletics and music lessons. We did our best to give you roots and wings, never imagining that you would become more amazing than we ever dreamed.

One of the best traditions in the world is celebrating life, honoring a person’s birthday and his worth. It is so much more than gifts, candles and cake, themed parties, laughter, magic and fun activities. It is the anticipation, the planning, the surprises and the joyful acknowledgment that life is better because of each relationship God has given us. Because it is a special day for you, it makes the day important for all of those who love you too. It reminds me of the day you were born, and of all these beautiful memories we made for each one of your birthdays, as a family, and how rich our lives are because of who you are.

Thank you for all the happiness you have given me and I feel most fortunate to be called your mom, to take care of you, listen to you, reassure and encourage you and grow in faith with you. I will love you “to infinity and beyond”.

Happy Birthday Bubba/Magoo/Buddy/Claybay/Son!