Sweet Sixteen

Sweet Sixteen
February 18, 2019

Oh, my dear first-born son, you gave me the name Mamma over sixteen years ago. I fell in love with you even before I set eyes on you. That little baby boy I first held in my arms with your wrinkly little neck and spikey hair has now become a young man who stands strong and towers over me. How can I possibly put into words the love I have for you and the joy you have brought to our family? 

I have always been amazed at how your mind works. You have a knack for retaining random and interesting facts just about everything. I pray discernment for you as you continue to learn and research the world around you and that you will increase in your amazing ability to communicate and teach others about your Creator and his creation.

This past year has been a rough one for you. You have quietly and bravely endured so much more than one should have to at your age. Anxiety is a horrible thing and something I wish I could take away from you! However, I see how this battle has drawn us closer to each other and to the Lord. It is my great privilege and honor to be a stabling force, a person of safety for you as I walk beside you in prayer and support. God is going to use this in your life for a greater purpose than we both can see right now and for His glory. I am confident of that because he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6) God made you ever so special and he has a wonderful plan for your life that I cannot wait to see how he will guide you and use you.

Turning sixteen is a BIG deal...in America. Here in Italy, not so much. This is most likely due to the fact that in the US you could be a legal driver and here in Italy you have to wait until you are eighteen. You are totally fine with the idea of not driving at this point, and well frankly it's a good thing you are very self-aware about your ability behind a wheel. haha!

We celebrated in typical fashion with just our family with cake and pizza from Centro. You were delighted that my first cheesecake attempt was a total flop and that I had to make two cakes for your special day. 

Your primary gifts were books...lots of books...and your very own DSLR camera. Photography is one of your growing passions and huge stress relieving activities in your life. We love to see your enjoyment and interest grow in this area, taking great inspiration from your Aunt Jennie. We look forward to seeing the world through your lens!

Happy 16th Birthday, Samuel!

I love you always and forever, no matter what!

Munga always drawing a ridiculous picture on birthday cards, warranting of only groans 

He saved his allowance money to buy himself a Super Nintendo

P.S. My greatest apologies, Samuel, for such a long overdue post! Your birthday was followed by a week at SHARE, then Nano's visit, a trip to Spain etc. Hopefully, that gets me off the hook a little bit for this year.