Eighteen

Today, Austin is eighteen.  Eighteen!!  

I'm not sure how that happened.

Wasn't it just yesterday that the Lord lovingly

placed him in our hearts and home?
How is it possible that we have been on this journey
of parenthood for eighteen years?
We cannot possibly be old enough...can we?  :)



 Just a year ago, we were celebrating the 
fact that Austin was able to come home from the hospital
in time for his special day.
Just days prior, we were not sure if he would 
even live to see his seventeenth birthday.
God graciously allowed him to ~ we are so thankful He did!

 Austin, the LORD has taught you much of Himself.
He has graciously saved you and called you His own.
He has taken you through some deep waters,
and you have come through them because of His grace.
We thank Him for the strength He gives.
We praise Him for His mercies.
What a wonderful blessing it is to know
that you are complete in Him.

How precious it has been to witness
your confidence in our Great God, 
while surrendering yourself to His will for you.
Even if that meant taking you Home to be with
Him while you were still in your teens.
We have been so encouraged to witness your faith in the LORD.
We are thankful that your trust is in Him. 

May the LORD grant that you would have
many more years to serve and follow Him.
May His hand continually be upon you, 
and may you know His leading in your life.
Follow Him wherever He leads.
Trust Him with all that you have.
There is nothing more noble than serving Him.
He alone is worthy.

We love you so very much,
and we count it an honour to have
been chosen to be your parents.
It is a blessing to call you our son.

All our Love,
Dad and Mum XOXO