Dear Samuel,
Today was your birthday.
I’m not sure if you were told, as your “family” at ND try really hard to be fair to all the children who share your life there. We knew though. We remembered you today.
Three. That’s a big boy now. You are so proud to show us how big and strong you are. We can see your little chest puff out when you show us your muscles. You are growing big and strong like your Daddy. You’ll like him. I can tell you already do a little. He’s really great at wrestling and snuggling and looking into your eyes when you talk to him. I just bet you two will be thick as thieves.
And me? Well, all I could think of today was how this will be the very last time you will have to celebrate your birthday without the hoopla of a big ole’ family to wake you, fill you with cake and let you have the first pick of all the day holds, just cause it’s your special day. The last time you’ll have a birthday without a pinata and cousins and a grandparents to call you and sing you your very own birthday song and ask what you want to eat at your very important Sunday birthday lunch. It’s gonna be great!
We ache for you buddy. It’s been 14 1/2 months since we first laid eyes on you. 14 1/2 months since you absolutely amazed us with your brilliance. We are more than ready for our forever to begin.
And you son? You’ve waited so much longer.
And so I fill suitcases and check off lists.
And remember you son.
We love you and we miss you.
Until we meet face to face,
Your Mama Forever and Ever,
Happy 3rd Birthday, Sweet Samuel!!
And Shelley, I remember SO very clearly all of the emotions you are feeling in this moment. Khloe’s birthday is on the 8th (so they shared their 2nd birthday parties together at NewDay last year!! I have photos and video I could share with you of both of them!) and how my heart was longing to be there to celebrate and ‘personalize’ her special day. I remember saying the same things…how this was her LAST birthday without us, and all of the things that we would celebrate on her birthdays at home.
I’m SO excited for you to travel to Samuel. I will be glued to my computer watching your journey unfold, just as God has planned! God bless you, friend! Indeed, this is his last birthday without you!!
OXO,
Tanya
Tears. streaming.
So precious. So raw. so real!
Godspeed you guys to meet Samuel!
Happy birthday, buddy!
Happy Birthday to Samuel! It won’t be long now before you have him and all of his 3 years in your arms. I can’t wait to see you all with him!
Shelley,
You have my eyes watering! This birthday letter to Samuel is so sweet, caring, selfless, and full of love. If I knew nothing else of you I would know you’re an amazing mom just from reading this – a mother all of our children need!