On the day that Jonathan turned 18 we attempted to release balloons, as a symbol of releasing all of our hopes and dreams for him. Maybe the bigger symbol, of what was soon to come, is that most of the balloons would not rise, because the humidity had sucked out the helium.  Today again, I release my hopes and dreams for you son. I may have to do it every birthday. I miss you so, but I keep turning my pages and discover your story still encourages mine.

Jonathan and I shared in common a love for writing. We often encouraged each other through written words. I found this poem the other day. I began writing it for Jonathan’s birthday, but could never complete it. It is fitting that I share it with you today in celebration of Jonathan’s 20^th birthday.

 

Today we begin composing two books.

Character development now begins in

your handwriting.

 

You have a good story, fraught with difficulty,

But worth sharing.

Do you see your purpose?

How your life encourages others to turn their pages?

Refer back to the gifts and talents

Revealed to you in the first chapters of life,

they are foreshadowing of things to come.

 

As you write this new book, remember:

The hero is never invincible

He needs others to draw out his character

There will always be plot twists

You may even meet an antagonist or two

But, allow them to sharpen who you become.

 

Your life has always been a page turner to me.