incredibly thankful

Dear Jonah,

I just wanted to write this letter for you to someday read to let you know how very, very thankful I am to have you.

You amaze us every day with your strength, bravery, and resilience. People just can't believe it the first time they meet you and see how smiley and happy you are almost all the time. They think you have "problems," but you sure seem oblivious. You are one sweet child. And I'm not just saying that because I'm your mom and I have to. Really, you are so special.

You are beautiful, content, smart, and you crack me up with your new expressions and funny sounds every day. You have the greatest personality.

And I have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day: God, Jesus, our friends, family, our church family, all the wonderful people who help us with dressing change, our house, our warms beds and showers, food... the list goes on and on.

But I just want you to know that I am so especially thankful for you. You have changed my life 100% for the better. I love you more than I could ever even put into words, and I choke up most times when I have to express out loud how I love you. It's just too overwhelming. You make my days brighter, and I can't imagine my life without you. I'd never want to go back to how it was before. You are so incredibly BEYOND worth it.

Last year, when I wrote some things I was thankful for, this is what I wrote about you: "For our new baby boy who is renewing us every day, for his kicks and movements, and for the excitement and hope he gives us for tomorrow." And you weren't even here yet! But man, oh man, the excitement and hope you have given us. Actually, you have renewed the definition of hope for me. I pray and fast for a miracle for you, but really, YOU are the miracle, sweet boy. You have overcome so much, so much more than anybody ever thought you could.

And I'm so thankful for the hope you've given us. I can't wait to see how God continues to use you to give hope to others too. He's holding you up, Jonah. Do you know that? I see you soaring like an eagle every day, and I know it is God who is sustaining you. He is healing you. He is growing you. He is the reason you live and breathe.

And it is HE who gave you to me. And for that I could never say thank you enough. Words just sound cheap.

You are the love of my life, my hero, my best friend. And God put us together. Pretty amazing, huh? I can't wait to watch you grow and change and become the wonderful man God is shaping you into.

He has already begun such a wonderful work in you, Jonah. I'm so excited to see what more He will do to, for, and through you. My prayer for you is that you will always be open to that work, and that you will glorify Him through your storms. You will have many, Baby Jonut, but I think you will see how He brings you through time and time again, and you will know that you are eternally, inexplicably, unconditionally, infinitely loved. And you will be amazed. I know I am.

Thank you for being my son. You are perfect. Happy First Thanksgiving, Jonah.

I love you with all my heart,
Mommy