Firstborn Son

Once upon a time, a baby boy entered the world with a huge scowl upon his face. As his mother touched his hand, she knew that the world had changed forever. She was so in love with the little fellow, she spent every moment with him. She was completely enthralled with every smile, blink, movement. Every wrinkle in his tiny fingers, every sweet eyelash, every breath that the sweet boy took was miraculous.

He didn't stay little for very long! Born at only 6 pounds, by the time he was three months old, he was a hefty 20 pounds. And that was only the beginning. Nothing stood in his way. He grew and grew and grew. Always looking for the next adventure, this boy rarely stood still for more than a moment. His imagination fueled many games and wild fun. For example, his mother didn't allow toy guns, but that didn't stop him. He loved guns. When he was only three, he was playing outside (he loved being outdoors). When he came in the house, he excitedly showed his mother his new gun. He had found a stick (in Western Washington...in a yard FULL of sticks...)that was shaped EXACTLY like a pistol. For months, he toted that little "gun" around in his belt loops, put it safely under his pillow at night, set it next to his plate at dinner, and stuffed it in his pocket to take to church.

Life was a magical story to be lived completely. He taught himself to read when he was three and read everything he could get his hands on. He was chosen to be a narrator for the school program when he was only in the third grade. In the eight grade, he was reading and writing at a college level.

The little boy is now a full-grown man. He still has a fascination with weapons-- especially historical knives, swords, and armor. He still devours books, and life is still a magical adventure. And his mother was right...the world has changed forever.

Adventures yet await the boy. This year, he is in active preperations to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. His spirituality and faith in God are increasing by amazing amounts. He doesn't complain when his gifts include white shirts and ties, and his reading tastes are running toward the spiritual side.

And his mother is standing in the background watching her baby boy, now a man, preparing to leave home and go out into the world to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. She remembers when he was born, how tiny he was. She remembers how she prayed to preserve his life when he was terribly ill. He was unable to breathe and she begged God to let the little boy live. "I promise," she said, "I will do all in my power to make sure this child grows up to serve a mission and to be a righteous man. Please, if You'll just help him breathe..." And he took a breath.

And through all the wild adventures, God preserved the life of this amazing son. With his mission less than a year away, his mother is still doing all within her power to fulfill her promise to God, and God is still protecting and watching over His son.