Eighteen

Eighteen years. Eighteen years since Rhett Stephen came into our world and added a burst of blue to our home full of pink. Some say time is a thief. I prefer to think of time as a treasure chest, opening slowly and allowing priceless gifts of moments with our children to emerge. Each year that passes brings new and precious treasures as our tiny children grow into amazing adults.

And so yesterday, my one and only son turned eighteen. I could write pages about this soul that God entrusted to Steve and me, about his sensitive soul and his kind heart. Rhett is an amazing person. He is hilarious. He is intuitive. He is hardworking and compassionate. He is a friend to every person that he knows. I am not boasting, although it sounds that way. Nor am I taking credit for the person my son is and has become. Rather I am sharing the attributes of an awesome soul, one who is much too humble to share himself.

When I think back on these years with my Rhett, I see big Tonka dump trucks, little green army men, days of rocking chairs and a favorite book, "Big Farm Tractor", Old Navy ball caps, V8 Splash Berry Blend Juice, movies, superheroes, Funko Pops, and a favorite green blanket. I feel joy in my heart knowing I had a part in raising a sweet little boy into an awesome young man. A young man who just so happens to look like and remind me so very much of another very special man, my dear father, who I know looks down from Heaven and smiles with pride every day at his little buddy Rhett.

Sister...

And more sisters.

One with Dad...

And one with your dear, amazing girlfriend who has captured all our hearts.

Happy Birthday, Rhett.

Mommy loves you!

P.S. Cake by Peyton, of course!