Beyond what I deserve…

January 5, 1995-

It is so hard to believe that 29 years ago today, you came into this world.

Just a few short years later, you would come into mine.

From the start, you were such a personality.

With your ballcap and little bookworm self, you read every street and store sign and amazed me from the backseat.

You were ahead of your time with your song lyrics, as you sang. “Hey baby baby, shut my door”…

You and Jacob were night and day but the very best of friends.

Two months were the only thing that separated the two of you.

People would always ask about our kids ages, and when it came to the boys, they would say, “Twins?”

I would say no because people think your children are defined by DNA or adoption.

But 3 of mine came by marriage- no labor pains and stretch marks, but you are mine nevertheless.

When Jeff and I first started dating, I kept thinking there would be a time that you would resent each other.

I am so thankful that never happened.

Blended families can be so complicated. You never complained or did anything to cause problems.

Twenty years and my heart just melts when your Dad says, “When was the last time you talked to your brother?”

You casually reply, “we talk every day.”

I never had to worry about tension and misunderstanding.

You were such an absolute joy. And you still are.

We have weathered the painful storms of life and been able to sit back and appreciate the rainbow.

People always look at our family portraits, and they want to guess who belongs to who.

They always reverse you to me and Jacob to Jeff, and I think that is fitting.

Having carried you in my heart for 20 years now, you do belong to me in ways that can’t be measured.

I struggle even now to put into words what an honor it has been to know that you are mine.

I used to tuck you in at night and jokingly say, “You know I married your Daddy to get you as a son.”

Looking back on the blessing of you in my life, having you as a son was no joke.

I would take that broken road and walk through fire to have the privilege of being a small part of who you have become.

People always tell you how wonderful it is to have your grandchildren. They never tell you about the beauty of watching your children become parents.

I am so proud of you as a son but even more so as a father.

My Daddy used to get teary-eyed and say that he was so blessed beyond what he deserved.

I understand that more and more as I get older.

I don’t deserve you, but I am so blessed to have you.

Here’s to reading logs, ER visits, football jerseys, and nursery painting.

Every precious moment has been a blessing.

(I wouldn’t change a thing except maybe football laundry for 3 or 4 teenage boys, I would definitely change that. I would now call for backup lol.)

I love you, Colby.

Always.

Happy birthday!

Cheryl Suzette