Shaun, You Are Loved

"Just Like The Morning, Your Smile Brings the Sunshine..."

To my little boy, Shaun, on your 2 year adoption day, June 18th, 2014:

I really don't think you know how loved you are sweet boy. I don't know if I've ever told you personally how much we need you. You see, when you came along, I was still so heartbroken over the loss of our first baby through miscarriage. I so desperately wanted to be a mother and I just wasn't sure that was ever going to happen. But God had big plans for us; those plans were YOU!

From the moment I first met you, I knew you were my son. I knew that God in His plan had made you for our family. I don't know why He designed for you not to come to us until you were 6 years old or why you had to be neglected and abused before you came to us, but I do know His plans are perfect. I do know that God is already using you in mighty ways to bring glory to Himself. Yes it has been hard for all of us to miss the first 6 years of your life. I know it is especially hard for you.

It breaks my heart when you wonder about what you looked like as a baby and wonder about all the other things you see your baby sister doing for the first time. Baby boy, I do wish we knew those things. I so wish I could've seen you as a baby, and snuggled you, and kissed your undoubtably chubby cheeks and kissed your little toes and fingers. Oh I bet you were the most gorgeous baby boy that's ever been seen. I do know for certain now that you are the most handsome little boy I've ever seen. You have beautiful caramel brown eyes that I could get lost in and an award winning smile. One day you are going to have girls falling all over you wanting your attention, but please don't use that to your advantage. Treat those girls like you would want your little sister to be treated.

I know we've had our ups and downs over the last few years. I know I'm hard on you, and I know sometimes I take my exhaustion out on you. For that I am sorry sweet boy. I am hard on you because I want you to grow up to be a responsible and Godly young man, and one day a Godly husband and father. Do know Shaun that I love you more than life itself. You need to know that you are so special, so smart, so funny, and the best and most caring big brother. You have the biggest imagination of anyone I've ever met and you are a walking encyclopedia, full of so much knowledge. You are and always will be my beauty for ashes, my joy for mourning. I know you don't quite understand what that means yet, but one day you will.

Playing outside as Captain America. I love you kid!

Photo credit: Paige Broome Photography, www.paigebroome.com

Your name means God is gracious, and He sure was gracious by giving you to us. You have brought so much light and and joy to our family. So Happy 2 Year Adoption Day baby boy! I can't wait to see how you grow and change over the years to come. I love you to the moon and back!