Noah is 18

Dear Noah, I can't believe I'm writing this... but happy 18th birthday. You know I've cried over this many times already, ;) buy ultimately I am so very happy that I have had the privilege of parenting you, mothering you, befriending you, helping shape who you are, and learning from you over the last 18 years. You are someone who I genuinely enjoy being around and look forward to talking to. Going through the Bible chronologically together this year has been one of my favorite bonding experiences with you. I listen to the audio Bible plan more intently, dig in deeper, and research any questions that I may have from the text much more, knowing that I will very likely be talking to you about it. You help sharpen me in the Word, and honestly you always have. I can hardly write this without tears blurring my screen, but I just want you to know how much you mean to me. I know there will be some very big goodbyes in the upcoming year. I've been training your whole life for this. ;) I'll be ok, and YOU, well you will thrive. You are ready for the next steps. I can't wait to hear you preaching the gospel someday and knowing this is a big part of what you were created for. What a year this has been! CEF ministry learning and implementing that learning in many ways, AP classes, football student manger, so many relationships built, a beautiful girlfriend we all love, speaking opportunities, homecoming king, student leader. So much more. I used to always comment on how alike we are. While I still see that in some ways, I see you diverging more and more from who I am and emerging as someone with so many qualities I do not have. The unique gifts God has formed in you are becoming increasingly honed into something very distinctively you. You - my Noah Ben. No longer my sweet little boy. Very much a man of God. I love you so much. I can not put into words the love and the pride and the beauty that is my relationship with you. I have no idea what my life will look like without you in close proximity, as you head to college and pursue your calling. I know I will grow, adjust, and acclimate, as I always do. God has both of us in his hands and I look forward to the continuation of his pruning and nurturing each of us, for his good and for his glory. Mom