It is with sweet and sincere Love that I recall the moments from 9 years ago today.
I became a Mother for the first time. I held a sweet little boy, all wrinkled and puffy, but beautiful.
A Little person that would swallow all of my selfishness, all of my pride, and stole my heart.
To say that the past 9 years have been full of challenges, is honestly a little bit of an understatement. But I wouldn't change a thing. This little boy has taught me more than I could have ever imagined.
When I desired to be a mother, I would imagine a sweet, soft spoken little boy with the ability to capture your smile, by showing you his. I imagined a child that would be well behaved and well mannered, all reflections of how he was raised.
I instead was shaken, with a child that would only confuse us. A child that literally cried for the first 9 months of his life. A child that would teach me more about being a mother without even saying a word. There is no manual, No text book about all that you are capable of. But We write that book every day. With your first social accomplishments, your first sarcastic comments, your first success, your first understanding of what a "gray" area in your black and white world is.
Chandler Maguire Howerton. A child with labels to some, with talents for others, but perfect to us. Your growth in this world is beyond words. To know of your struggles and to see your progress is the most precious and rewarding gift to a parent.
Our beautiful son, you may not be perfect, but to us, you are. All of your little quirks, all that you have learned. you teach us how to be better every day. You are an amazing child. Your love may not always be unconditional, but ours in return always will be.
9 years ago today, We were blessed with an angel. One that would change our lives forever. One that would not change our desire for more beautiful children. One that would make us better people, better parents, better companions.
Chandler, through all of your personal challenges, all of your struggles in this world, One thing I desire most for you to know, is how much you are loved. You have brought so much happiness and joy to our lives. Our Father in Heaven surely knew that you would be well taken care of here. With parents that love you, would walk to the end of the Earth for you, would sacrifice everything for you. While we know you are only able to desire perfection, for us, we gleam with pure joy when you make progress. It isn't always easy to live in our world, one that is confusing, and full of "gray" areas. But as your parents, we will always be here to hold your hand, love you, walk you through your black and white world, all the while showing you how "gray" can be okay.
Happy Birthday Chandler. Your life will always be one of satisfaction and success for us, one that overcomes so many challenges each day. One of pure and unconditional love. The best gift, our Father in Heaven would ever send. A beautiful child, with potentials beyond our imaginations, with love bigger than your heart and with a spirit stronger than most grown men.
May you continue to grow into an outstanding young man. One with many accomplishments and success. Have a life that will always be filled with love and support.
You are an amazing son. An outstanding brother, and example. Thank you for choosing our family. We are so very blessed to have you as our son!
Many blessings and wishes of happiness throughout your life- our desire for you.
We love you!
