Gentleman in the Making
Dear Jackson,
I remember the day I took your sisters to the hospital to meet their new baby brother, and now their baby brother has gone and grown up on us! Did you even ask permission?! Well, here we are – celebrating six years of a boy surviving and thriving in an ocean of sisters and girl cousins. Happy birthday, Doodle!
Just weeks ago, you strapped on your helmet, pulled on your backpack, and rode your bike to “big school” for the first time. Kindergarten, here comes Jack! Papa and I no longer have preschoolers in our midst, but we’re proud to see you so ready to learn and grow! Dare we tell your teacher? Life will never be the same now that you’re on the scene!
New experiences and discovered passions filled this past year. You learned patience as you waited for Scottie Scheffler’s autograph at your first PGA event. (Scottie never made it close enough, but you still had a fun time!) You enjoyed a fun weekend down in Austin with “the guys” (Daddy, Grandpa Rich, and Uncle D) at your first NASCAR event. On a smaller scale, you mastered several new card games and figured out that you love to fish! By the way, lake life looks good on you!
Old faves continue to be books, Legos, video games, and people. You manage to strike up conversations with anybody, anywhere, and your besties always look forward to the next crazy “Jack attack.” You’ve always got a pocket full of “silly” to make life fun wherever you go.
You’re maturing into a little gentleman and a leader. You’re learning to take pride in caring for your mom, sisters, and younger children. You’re practicing serving others with a cheerful heart and helping out before being asked. The seeds of faith have been planted in your heart by those who love you dearly, and you’re on the path to becoming a godly young man.
I thank God for the privilege of being a witness to your life. Let me encourage you with Paul’s words to Timothy: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12) Happy birthday, young man!
Always loving you with all of my heart,
Milly
