Today this sweet little boy turns 13! Where has the time gone! He just can’t be 13, he was just this small like yesterday. Oh well, Happy Birthday Sam!

Dear Sam,

Today you are turning 13. I just can’t believe it. Just yesterday you were born and I was holding you in my arms. I’m going to try to not to get all sappy about this, but man it’s hard to watch your oldest become a teenager. I wanted to remind you of some things on your birthday.

First, we love you more than you will ever know. You are named Samuel because it took a while for us to get pregnant with you and I read the story of Hannah in the Bible and promised God if he would give me a baby and it was a boy I would name him Samuel, and the very next month we found out we were expecting you. I knew you would be a boy and we would name you Samuel. Samuel is a great man of God in the Bible, he listened to God and lead his people in the right way of God. You have those gifts of leadership and uprightness. You are a leader, don’t forget that. People are watching your life, not just your little siblings, but those around you. You stand out among your friends and even though you are quiet, people follow you. That is a great responsibility, so always remember people are watching and following, lead well.

You have always been a perfectionist. It’s a good trait to have. You like order and cleanliness. I am thankful I don’t have to remind you to keep things clean or take a shower. You always give 100% on everything you do. You do well in school and at work. I’m so proud of you. You are so responsible and always doing the right thing. I want you to remember though to cut yourself some slack every now and then. Sometimes things don’t go as we plan and sometimes we can’t control our circumstances, it’s okay. God is in control and He has got this. Depend on him. Be careful not to expect too much of those around you. People are just human and can’t live up to the highest standards sometimes. They will fail you, but you have to forgive and move on.

God has blessed you with a great mind. School comes easily for you especially math. Follow your dreams, you can be anything you want to. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you fail sometimes, it’s okay. Just get back up and try again. I know you will be successful in life.

Be kind. Love others. I love to see you love your little brothers and take care of your sister. You have a kind heart. Don’t let life steal that from you. You have endured some loss and difficult times this year and tender hearted people tend to shell up and not want to love again after loss. Don’t do that. Have an open heart always, even if it gets broken now and then. You will be a better person for having loved.

Keep your moral center and integrity. You have done so well at living a Godly life, I am thankful for that. You found Jesus at an early age and were baptized, don’t forget that as you grow up. There are some trying years ahead. High school and college can really test your faith. You will have to step and out from under dad and I and figure out what you believe for yourself. I pray you hold on to Jesus as you do that.

Look around you for Godly examples. God has given you so many people around you who are wonderful examples of what being a Godly man looks like. Watch them, and be like them, but most of all let them point you to Jesus. Be like Him and you will be a success.

We are always here for you, no matter what you do in life. Whether you succeed or fail, we are always here loving you and cheering you on. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see the man you will become.

Love, Mom