Today we threw our son a 4 year old Spiderman birthday party. It was one of the funnest things I've ever done in my life. I love planning things, decorating, and playing with kids. Not to mention I've wanted a child my whole life to do this kind of thing with, he's finally old enough to really enjoy the whole thing. So, I dove in head first and have been collecting Spiderman things for 2 weeks and thinking through how it would all work so kids were having a blast, adults weren't wondering when it would end, and my little man wouldn't have an all out melt down in overwhelment. It went as well as I could have hoped (with much thanks and credit to some dear friends that helped).
I am exhausted. My feet hurt like crazy up my legs kind of owie. My voice is tired. I've washed my hands so many times I can't count 'cause I just feel dirty. But I am alive inside. Keep thinking of each kid and how the party was for them and if they felt included and cared for. Seeing Braden's face when the whole house was singing happy birthday to him (I love that humble grateful look of disbelief people get when others lavish love on them). Watching 20 kids go nuts with silly string on the "bad guys" and then turn on each other with perma grins on their faces. Seeing old and new adult friends connecting or reconnecting. Being one with my hubby on things like "trashbags now", "camera moment", "fix the pinata please", and "holy moly this is crazy!" without using many if any words. And watching Braden go and hug kids randomly on the moments when the buzz of party wasn't overtaking him and it occurred to him that he really liked someone else and was glad they came.
As my Spidey boy is down to sleep now and I am rehashing the day I realize, I forgot to pray. I had it planned in my little Karen schedule, but of course I forgot. A tradition we started on his one year old birthday...praying gratefulness for his life and praying for him to grow in wisdom and character. And thanking the birth parents who gave us this most precious of gifts. So tonight as he dreams here is my prayer:
O Lord our God, we are thankful. Thankful for this handsome sweet boy you have given us. We are so proud of him! He is growing so much and changing every day. Each day becoming kinder, learning more, asking great questions, and giving so much love. Thank you Lord for his birth parents Erin and Ben who gave him life and had the courage and heart to gift us with our precious son. Thank you for grandparents and aunties, uncles and cousins who bless us all the time and who love Braden so much. Thank you for these friends and neighbors who have walked with us through the years, and have celebrated and grieved with us along the way. Today is a day to celebrate. The life of Braden Andrew Rogers. He is our special boy and has grown up to be 4 years old. Lord God may you walk with him closely this next year of his life, teaching him and taking care of him along the way. Give him interest to know you more and to treat people with love. May he feel loved through us, our little family, every day and be growing roots that will last his lifetime. We praise you God in heaven for sending your son Jesus to die for us so that we can live. May Braden's life always be a reminder of new life amidst impossible circumstances. New life of your son Jesus as his birthday falls so close to Easter. We love you and live for you Jesus. Thank you so very much for our Braden. Amen.
1 comments:
Amen!
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