Happy birthday!

Almost seventeen years ago my life took a turn I had not planned, scheduled, or asked for. God had done all that for me, despite me, and without asking me. Sixteen years ago today an eager, wiggly boy slithered out into the world and has held my heart ever since. We named him David Matthew, beloved gift of the Lord. Although Matt dislikes his name, it suits him completely.

Prior to any thought of such a person on my part, Acronymsical asked if he could have a brother baby or a sister baby. I shook off the question because life with my pre-schooler was a 24-hour-a-day job. It was work! It was fun! It was creative. But to add a baby to that life was an overwhelming thought. But God knows best. The conversation to brother-to-be went something like this:

            “Andy, you know how you asked for a brother baby or a sister baby? Well, you’re going to have one.”

            “I think I changed my mind. I’d really rather have a cat.”

Then there was the conversation about being there when brother baby was to be born. That was a bit ticklish to discuss, but in the end we agreed that big brothers best wait at Granny’s house to keep her company.

I was right about one thing. Life with a young child and an infant was a challenge. Baby Matt didn’t know the life we had had before, and his rules of the game were strange and opposite brother’s. But the four of us bumbled and stumbled around for months before we got into the new routine. A golden bound grew between the boys despite their age difference.

I understood Andy’s logic, but Matt had his own unique ideas. For example, he knew that if he waited long enough he would one day be older that big brother, and therefore be able to win the games they played. It broke my heart the day I looked into his tearful eyes and put an end to the dream.

But today Matt, the playing field is becoming more level. Your physical strength is getting closer to your brother’s, your maturity is beginning to peak out amid your youthful notions, and your career goals are emerging. Trust me, Matt. The age gap will not look so bad when brother’s joints creak first, when lines show around his eyes when he laughs, and there is more salt in his hair than pepper. My sadness on this happy day is that my boys live with so much physical distance between them, but I sense Matt may someday root himself once again in Andy’s life just like he did sixteen years ago.

So happy birthday, Matt. You are truly my precious gift of the Lord.