Amazing Grace: DEAR MIKE....(happy 30th)

30 years ago.....until then, I had no idea what it was like to love and be what loved in this manner.

Loving you, protecting you and preparing you has been such a big part of who I am, it's still hard to redefine myself and accept that my job is done. That's difficult to say, I never want my job to be done. Ok, how about done in raising you, now I just get to enjoy you and your family and who and what you have become and yet to still to come.

As I am reflecting and trying to express to you with such an urge to tell you of all the promises I made, as you slept below my heart all those years ago. So very real and profound to me and so intense, I'm sure I'd cry if I even tried to tell you.

Mini moves of first steps, first words, and first everything else's consume me, along with Tooth Fairies, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, little trophies, wall posters, play dough models and lego buildings. Funny how I reflect back to the baby as you are going forward to the man you are. You have so much in life, you have 2 beautiful girls you are in crazy in love with, you are independent, adventureous and have the entire world in front of you. I know you have been ready, capable, competent and smarter than I'll ever be. Even though I represent myself as your parent, teacher and protector, I see so clearly that I have also been the pupil. I have learned so much from you, including some football fantasies stuff, at-will-agreement, how to build a fence, the love of music, and the list could go on and on. You have played such a large part in molding me into the person I am. You have taught me well and I thank you.

Mike, I am so compelled to tell you all the things about you that fills me with pride and awe. It would be another long list of what you have achieved, the person you are, your character and integrity. I hope all your wishes and dreams come true.

You don't need to be told who you are or what you are capable of. You are your own person and you are comfortable with that, and at the end of the day, that tells me I have done well. That tells me that you are ready for the world and what the world has to offer you, and the world is a better place having you as a participant. I have tried to teach you all I experienced and all I knew, and most importantly I taught by example and I appreciate you knowing my heart and being willing to take some of my life experiences with you.

There has been so many people who have played a huge part in your life...not only have you been a blessing to so many, you have truly been blessed. When you were just a baby, and we had a very special dedication service at church where we committed you to God, I am convinced He has an awesome plan for your life. You are very special to Him.

I have so many pictures of your childhood...and I find myself wanting to look at them more and more, to bring you back just for a minute to those days. Seeing the way God has wired you, convinces me that He's wired you that way for a special purpose. You have such a huge heart, a beautiful servant's heart. God has blessed you with a humble spirit so you would look at other people's needs as being greater than your own. This special characteristic is what will make you a spiritual giant in God's eyes. I have seen you so full of compassion. Never lose it, keep loving others, lifting the fallen, drive away the enemy and enjoying all God's blessings.

I give praise to God knowing that Jesus is your rock Mike. I love sitting on the same row as you during church, hearing you sing, wanting to get involved in your church's activities, the classes you and Bea have taken and the lessons and love you are showing others. I can clearly see God has given you such a sensitive heart. As long as you always put Jesus first in your life, Mike, you will never be disappointed. I love how you have fully committed yourself to God. Read His word, talk with Him everyday so you and your family never lose touch with him...believe me, the most important thing you will ever need is God's touch on you and your families life.

There is one thing that impresses me the most, the dad you have become. Yes, viana is doubly blessed with having 2 dads that love her with all their hearts.

I know family is important to you.....and God has blessed you with a much bigger family! Never take a single day for granted with the ones that you love and they love you...life can change in a moment, as you know I know that all to well...never have any regrets.