My Letter to My Son Joey

Dear Joey,

This morning, when we arrived at Cracker Barrel for breakfast (you insisted on going there because they have toys), you proudly announced to the waitress that you were three.

"I'm three!" you exclaimed. "See how big and strong I am?"

And you are. Big and strong and absolutely fabulous.

You amaze me every day.

I got all teary eyed when you noticed a man standing on the side of the road after a fender bender and you asked me if we could stop and pray for him. Or when you told me after you noticed your cousin misbehaving that it's not nice to talk about other people when they're in trouble but only to talk about ourselves. Your compassion and empathy goes beyond your years.

You also amaze me with your incredible energy and zeal. Sometimes that's a good thing (like when you excitedly play soccer at the gym or race around the playground) and sometimes that's a bad thing (don't even get me started on that time in the bookstore when you climbed to the top of the bookshelf and dove off while screaming that you were superman). I admit, sometimes it's hard for me to keep up with you, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the fact that you're always moving, exploring, questioning, wondering and playing.

You're in a "why" phase now. Everything is a why. Why is the sky blue? Why is broccoli healthy? Why did Jesus get born in a stable? Why did the boy want a girl to go sleighing with him in Jingle Bells? You have a question-- and an answer-- for everything. Why? I'm not sure. But sometimes I have to remind myself that I need to enjoy the moment and not get irritated with the constant why why whying.

Anyway, I'm getting misty-eyed now. I can't believe how fast you've grown up-- and I can't beleive that God has entrusted me with such a tender yet energetic, feisty yet sweet soul. I pray every day that I am up for the job.

I love you, Joey. Don't grow up too fast.