Luke, you are funny and original. And you can make people see the wonders around you. I've seen grown people stare at you as they realize that vacuums really ARE cool, air conditioners really ARE interesting, and that bug really IS amazing. You introduce your friends to new ideas. You can get an entire room of kids interested in the things you like. Why? Because you are a passionate person! That amount of energy and excitement demands a response, and you sure get one. I hope you always keep the attribute of passion. Your intensity for the things you love will drive you to great heights. I can't even tell you the number of people who have told me they just know that you are going to do great things with your life. I am sure that they are right.
Luke, for all your quirks and self-made rules you are generally an adaptable person. You feel at home wherever you are. You embraced Amarillo and our life here, and I know you will do the same wherever our life takes us. This is a wonderful gift.
You have a lot of love in you, Luke. And you love people easily. I love to watch you with your family-- all of your family. Even without seeing them often, you have forged a special bond with grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins (and an adopted family too!) I hope you know and always remember how many people love you. And I hope you feel joy knowing that you make them feel special by loving them so much in return.
You have many gifts, Luke. One of your greatest gifts is perseverance. When you want something you go for it ALL THE WAY. Whether it be a chance to turn on a fan or learning to ride a bike, you won't quit until you figure out how to get it.
Another of your wonderful gifts is bravery. You have dealt with some difficult things already in your five years, and a lot of these challenges were frightening for you. But you have overcome so many of your fears! I am so proud of you! You probably don't remember being afraid of some of these things, but these are some of the fears you have conquered: getting wet, walking on sand, going into a public restroom, riding the bus, eating cereal, going to nursery, sleeping with the light off, hearing a police siren, touching a dog, and many more things. D and I have pushed you so hard in your short little life, and you have met every expectation because YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS. I am so proud of the things you have learned and the progress that you have made. You are my special big boy. You are my favorite five-year-old in the whole wide world.
Love and kisses,
Mama
PS. Here are a few (wink, wink) pictures to illustrate how you have filled my life with joy!
Right before we moved to Virginia from Utah
Our new home in Williamsburg
1st Halloween
1st birthday
Christmas with Mima and Papa
Spring '09
Summer '09
In Houston for the summer
Camping trip, fall '09
This interest started early and hasn't abated AT ALL.
2nd birthday
And this is Luke.
Virginia Living Museum spring '10
Amber's trip to Virginia to help out while Mama was sick
(no pics with Mima?)
Bringing Micah home
A little too much of a Mama's boy
1st family pics
3rd birthday
Christmas in Nevada '10
March '11-- first day of school!
1st teacher-- Ms. Alicia
Love this picture!
Spring '11
Potty training
Another summer in Houston
(visiting San Antonio with Papa)
At the boardwalk
Fall '11
1st day of 2nd year of preschool
Ms. Daisy helping you onto the bus
4th birthday
convincing your friends that the vacuum is the best toy in the room
learning to play hide-and-seek
Easter '12
Lowe's!
New GREEN glasses
Speech teacher-- Ms. Nelson
2nd preschool teacher-- Ms. Sara
Conquering fears (ABA therapy)
Amber's wedding July '12
New home in Amarillo, TX
1st day of third year of preschool
Pumpkin patch, Amarillo
November countdown
5th birthday
We love you, Luke!
5 comments:
Happy Birthday, Luke! I'm glad he got the CD he wanted. It's so fun to see him grow up in those pictures! We love you Luke!
Will you please tell Luke that Miss Melissa loves him and misses him so much? I loved looking at all the pictures. It's so hard to believe he was ever so little. Luke will always be one of my most favorite little people (and Rachel and Alden's). Happy Birthday Luke! we miss you!
He is a wonderful, special boy. And you are a wonderful, special mother!
What a beautiful letter! I know I don't know him like you do, but I loved recognizing so many of his gifts from things I've seen too. It's true that Luke's love makes people feel especially good. I remember him letting me snuggle him at my house when I was watching him for the day (I think when you three were babysitting up at the temple), and just how blessed and special I felt that he trusted me so much. Love that boy! And miss you all!
It's fun to see Luke's growing up. Wish I could meet him in person.
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