Rachael & Montgomery: Monty is 10

Today is your birthday!!!!

Dear Montgomery Gene,

Well. Here we are. Two whole hands old. An entire decade of life is behind you.

Born under a full moon, last room on the maternity floor (that they basically used as storage), labor for 12 hours to end up having you C-Section. You’ve kept me on my toes for a decade.

I still feel like I’m learning so much and have so much more to learn with you and we’re over halfway to adulthood already!

In some ways, it makes me a bit sappy and sentimental.

I don’t want to go backward. I LOVE THIS stage. God knew that this life would keep giving you road blocks; and yet you succeed- - - Because You Always TRY!

I love that you are your OWN person. With your own thoughts. Your own dreams.

I love listening to you. Learning about you.

What makes you tick. What brings you joy. The WHO that you are becoming.

Your favorite pillow, favorite blanket, favorite stuffies, your favorite color, favorite book, favorite tee-shirt and favorite hoodie. Your favorite video game.

You love hard, but still cuddle your favorite stuffie, without any embarrassment. You are so set of being a Monster Truck driver, that we attend Monster Jam every year, always as excited as you are. That’s one of my best memory…… all the Monsters Jam at multiple arenas, watching you come to life. I love that you are secure in who YOU are.

This past year has been such a huge year for you; you added two more sports, football and basketball to our already soccer and baseball schedule. I’ve seen you high five your friends and pick them up off the field & court. You care about others feelings and that is a blessing to me. But, WHEW! it can be emotional in the stands and on the sidelines. Always know that I will be your #1 cheerleader in whatever you do in life!

We have had such a fun year of experiences, a great year of travel and making memories together. We stayed BUSY! Whitecaps Baseball, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Ohio, Mackinaw Island, Kayaking, 2 Monster Jams, Michigan Adventures, This lake and that lake, Drive-In Movie theater, and an outside theater at home, Cabela’s and a broken arm.

This was the first broken bone for you, 4th Grade, You somehow managed to fall off the monkey bars at school on recess. After 3 casts, you healed, yet missed 1/2 your football season. Again, just another road block and you move on. You see ADVENTURE anywhere and anytime, Another reason I love being your mom.

I pray our connection is always strong and that it will continue to grow. As I look forward I see nothing but goodness for your life. I know you will work hard and be successful at whatever you put your mind to. I know you will continue to love Jesus and continue to make me so proud.

I also know you will make mistakes. Will have downfall moments. Moments of disappointment and hurt. No one is perfect. That is a hard truth for you to accept, but it’s one that I have strived to ingrain in you from a young age.

Don’t be too hard on yourself.

And know that without a doubt I love you NO MATTER WHAT. No shortcoming, no mistake, nothing will EVER distance me from you. My love for you is unending and unconditional. Forever. Unbreakable. Unbendable. Always!