To Punkie at Three Months

Every day you are gaining more and more independence and are following that inevitable path that leads you farther and farther away from us. You are all in this world that we need, and there will slowly come a time that you will no longer need us. But I hope that you grow with the firm knowledge that our home will always be your shelter from the storms, whatever the time or circumstances may be. We know we have all we need in you, but we also know that you need a partner to experience this whole growing up thing, the Lord willing. So, Punkie, here we are. I hope that your life brings to you the happiness you have brought to us in these few months, and everything we do from here on out is designed for the primary purpose of ensuring that it will. The most apparent aspect of your emerging little personality is how peaceful and happy you are. I hope more than anything that you retain this peace and happiness, and, again, we will do everything to ensure that you do. One of the things that I love most about you is how “go with the flow” you are. I love how we can throw you into most any situation (minus the food court at Crabtree mall) with just anybody and know that you will be okay. You will be more than okay, you will be stellar. I hope that you tackle all situations in life with the confidence and ease that you are showing as a three month old baby. As you are growing, I have been reflecting on things I hope for your life. I hope for you to know and love Jesus. I hope for you to show kindness above all else and to be wiling to sacrifice to do so. I hope that you will stand firm in your convictions despite the pressures that will inevitably try to pull you away. I hope that the Lord will bless you with the sensitivity to recognize others in need and with the ability to help. I hope that you will find the willingness in yourself. I pray that the Lord will help us as parents to raise you with the confidence to know who you are, what it is that you stand for, and love yourself. I hope that you are willing, with the Lord’s guidance, to take the weedy, perhaps obstructed path. I hope that you are thorough and deliberate, reflective and prayerful, in your decision making. I hope that you will give us the high honor of helping you come to conclusions and make decisions. I hope that you will talk to us, really talk to us – openly and honestly. I hope the Lord guides us to listen, and to only listen when need be. I hope that others will see you as kind and strong. I hope you have a knack for finding fun in everyday life and the charisma to draw others to join. I hope you will have the ability to laugh at yourself. I hope you invent – anything. I hope that you will be proud of the person that you are. I hope that you will be proud of us as your parents. We love you Little Buddy.