My Dearest David,

 I'm still not sure what to think about you being an adult tomorrow. Part of me feels so extremely blessed that we made it this far in our journey, but there is another part of me wants to hold on to my little boy forever.  

Where did the time go and where do I begin?

Over the last 18 years you've transformed my life in so many ways!  You have empowered me, motivated me, inspired me, taught me to love others and myself, and above all else molded me into the woman of God I am today. I was on the self-destructive path when God sent you to me. Although to the outside world having a medically fragile child at 16 seemed as if my life had taken a devastating turn for the worst, in all reality God knew I needed you to save me from myself and gave me meaning and purpose.

You have taught me the valuable lesson that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.   My perspective is forever changed and I now understand that unfortunate circumstance often offer incredible opportunities to prove to ourselves and others how strong we really are.   In every aspect of my life you're the man behind my success and God knew I needed you just as you are just when he sent you to me. 

I needed you to push me, to teach me that there was more to life to live for,  I needed you to help me realized that the pain of this earth is only temporary and that my purpose here is far greater than the pain and obstacles this world has thrown our way.  You are the reason I found God, the reason I made a conscious choice to serve others, the reason I push myself through college because I knew you deserved it and in the process I realized I deserved it too. 

In the last 18 years we've encountered many obstacles which all eventually required us to rely fully on God.  We survived near death experiences, 31 brain surgeries, unforeseen tragedies, seizures, and heartache, but through it all that we've always had each other!

So as my one and only little man becomes an adult I want to say THANK YOU!  Thank you for changing my life and turning my world into the most amazing adventure I could have ever asked for.   Thank you for helping me grow into the woman and mother that you always needed me to be and patiently cheering me on.   So as we venture into the nest chapter of our lives, I will embrace the fond memories that we have shared while we prepare to create new ones.  Just know that you my love, always have been, and always will be THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS. 

As a teacher it is easy to become overwhelmed with paperwork, deadlines, challenging students and/or behaviors, and the overwhelming task of creating unique and engaging ideas to reach each and every child at their individual levels.  Today was one of those days that makes all the hard work worthwhile!  

One of my students who has struggled getting the concept of blending sounds together to make words, read her first word today. For most kids that's a simple task they learn in kindergarten, but for this student it was a milestone that I will forever be extremely proud of being a part of!!!!