Paul's 10th Birthday

As long-time readers know, Saturday was our son Paul's 10th birthday.  I'm actually really glad we were off camping that day.  At home, I probably would have sat around, having a pity party or torturing myself by going through my "Paul Box" alone or something.  Being with a bunch of other parents, most of whom Andrew and I have known since before we were married, made it easier because they "get it".

Per a genius suggestion from our friend Jovita, we got a small gift for each of the girls, something we knew they wanted (thank you, Amazon wish list!).  At breakfast, we gave them their presents in Paul's honor, since we weren't having a birthday party for him and giving him presents.

We talked about how grateful we are for the girls, how proud we are of them, and told them that we wanted them to know that Paul's not somehow more special to us because he died.  Yes, our memories of him are extra special, but that's because they are the only memories we'll ever get with him; we get to make new memories with them every day, like laughing at each other at night in the RV for farting, etc.

I read this:

Psalm 127:3-5The Message (MSG)

3-5 Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
    are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;
    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep.

and talked about how firmly convinced I am that we get the children we need to have.  These girls help us so much all the time, and we're glad they know it's OK to point out our weaknesses, tell us how they feel, etc.

Paul came up in conversation several times over the weekend, and each conversation left me feeling really loved andsupported.

I really thought I was going to get through the day without even puddling up - hey, birthdays are happy, right?  Then, most of the kids on the trip showed up at the door of the RV Saturday night, carrying an orange with a birthday candle in it.  They sang "Happy Birthday" to Paul, then each gave me a great big hug.  Wow!