For those of you who read on a regular basis, you know my story is one of struggle. You understand this blog was birthed from a 15 year journey through stillbirth, miscarriage, and secondary infertility.
But before then, he came…
We were young and constructing carefully crafted plans of a big family with lots of siblings for our perfect, firstborn child. However, for 15 years there were only three of us.
We were given “just one” to love.
People who didn’t know our story would ask, “Just one?” I always hated that question. And, yes, I do realize hate is a strong word…
How can any human being created in the image of God have a “just” attached to them?
To me, “Just one” meant: time to play together with no distractions, time to read, teach, and learn through his eyes. “Just one” was a gift from God that kept giving then, and after two more children, keeps giving now.
Today, He is no longer a boy. He is a man. Today is his 21st birthday.
My “just one” child for the first 15 years of his life is a singer, song writer, guitar player, worship leader, and man after God’s own heart. He is more than his father or I could have ever hoped he would be.
Some only acknowledge my twins as miracles. This is mostly because their lives came through a bitter war waged in a reproductive endocrinologist’s office through silent grief and broken hearts.
However, my oldest is our true miracle.
He gave us the will to fight for completion of our family. He kept us accountable to God because really… who can look into the face of their small child and not believe in a Creator who designs His perfect will for our lives?
Our oldest son was the miracle who gave us the will to keep going when we buried his sister before we ever had the chance to hear her cry. Our first born son, our, “just one” was the gift of hope from a God who loves us all so very much.
So, today, as our family celebrates the first miracle we received, I want to encourage you to remember that even when it seems as if God doesn’t hear your silent pleas and songs of sorrow, He does.
Our God sends miracles divine and true. Sometimes, they aren’t considered such, but I guarantee one is near you providing hope. Keep searching, look harder if you don’t see it, don’t ever stop recognizing the miracles in your life. They were given to you by a God who holds you in the palm of His hand. He is the I Am. And He will, friends. I promise you He will!
Love,
Jennifer
Jennifer,
What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your beloved first miracle. Sending your son a special birthday wish on his 21st birthday! God bless.
Thank you so much!
Just beautiful!
Thank you, Michelle!
Brings tears to my eyes. A beautiful tribute to your son, Jennifer. Thank you for the reminder that the comments I make to mothers of only children can be hurtful, especially if I don’t know their story. I hope you are having a wonderful day celebrating your son’s birthday.
Thank you so much, Heidi!
This…yes. So much of it, at least the beginning, is where I am today. Just one.
Just one miracle little girl, a gift given from my Father…one I had almost started doubting would ever be in our lives.
The question hurts me, too…and when it hurts, like you, I look at my blessing. And if He only ever gives us one sweet daughter, she is so much more than enough.
Your words are so beautiful and Truth-filled…and I needed them today. Thank you. 🙂 Happy birthday to your son and many, many blessings to you and your wonderful family! (((hugs)))
Thank you, Mel! It is sometimes so hard to focus on the miracles we’ve already been given when we ache for another. I’m praying for you. You are so blessed with that beautiful daughter of yours! She is a gift and your true miracle!
Praying you had a beautiful time of celebrating your son’s 21st birthday!
Thanks, Barbie! I cannot wait to get a copy of your book in my hands!
This is so lovely. What an amazing young man you have raised. Congrats on a job well done. Feeling especially connected to this since my firstborn, my wonderful son shares this same December 3rd birthday, turning 34! Eeekkkk. Aren’t we so amazingly blessed?
Thank you, Lisa! Happy birthday to your son!
Beautiful.