On turning 9 years old...a letter to Joe

Dearest Joseph Nicholas,
     On March 19th, 2002, your daddy and I joyfully welcomed you into our lives, our hearts, and our souls. Truly, you were a dream come true. How we had longed for you, and indeed prayed for you until we thought our hearts would break. I know that you know the story of your birth, but daddy and I still find it interesting that I went into labor on St. Patrick's Day, and it wasn't until St. Joseph's Day (um. yes. that is 2 DAYS later) that you decided to let go of the warmth and enter into the shocking cold of life outside the womb. Oh we had several names picked out, but it all came clear as soon as you were born. You were our Joseph. Our Joe. (And as Aunt Ra-Ra nicknamed you, our Joe Nicky as well.  ;)  ) You were going to come when you were ready. That's that determination factor that we see so clearly. More on that in a moment.
      I want you to know how much I appreciate your sensitive nature. Your love of animals is so sweet, and I am sure that if daddy would let us, we would have a house full of them! ;)  (Well, all except the chickens and sheep. We still can't convince him on that, can we?!) More importantly, I am so in awe of your love for your little brother. It is simply amazing how much you love him, and truly, how much he loves you. I tell you, he knew your voice right away because of all of that time that you read to him while he was in my belly. Being a big brother fits you perfectly, and you are sensitive to his needs. Oh how I know how that sensitivity can be heartbreaking, too. When our hearts are so big, it is hard to not let the words that people say to us affect us. We take them to heart. We hurt, and the wounds are gaping and sometimes hard to fix....
     But what I see in you, also, is an incredible sense of determination. You work at something until it is done right. (Even when we tell you that it is O.K. to stop.) You keep going. You believe. (Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...what do we do? we swim. swim... Good ol' Dory!)  The questions that you continually ask us about our God and our faith challenge daddy and I to grow in our own faith as well. Did you know that? Did you know that you teach us, too? This faith journey is made richer because you are here. Remember that whenever someone says something that hurts. I know that I can't take that away, but I can help you through it. You are my heart, dear one.
     Never give up, kiddo. Know that daddy and I are here. Always. All ways. May your life continue to be blessed with love, and may you know that you are wanted. You are loved. You are cherished.

All my love,
Mommy XOXO

     Braving the waves....

Being a great big brother....

Just taking it all in....