Looks like we made it.....

Today is Phil's 18th birthday. What an amazing ride we have had. I never dreamed that we would be where we are.

Phil was born by c-section after way too many hours of hard labor. He was amazing - but what new baby isn't. I left his biological dad when Phil was not quite 2. We moved to florida where my parents were living. After several false starts I got my act together and went to school and got a degree as a respiratory therapist. Once we moved back to the midwest our lives had some very big highs and soem very low lows. Highlights that I feel are important and some I know he would feel are important.

I met Scott (phil was 7), my mom got sick, my ex got remarried to a woman who hated Phil, I married Scott, Scott adopted Phil(Phil was 10), my grandfather died (Phil's best friend Phil was 12)) Phil started Seabury, we adopted Drew (Phil was 13),Phil is diagnosed with a heart condition, my mom got a lung transplant(Phil was 14), my mom died(Phil was 15), Phil got a car, Phil went to South Korea, Phil had his first serious girlfriend (Phil was 16) my dad got remarried(Phil was 17), Phil got a tattoo, First girlfriend broke up with Phil, Phil decides to go to Washburn, Phil joins a Frat, Phil turns 18. That brings us to today.

thru it all I have watched my little boy grow in to an amazing young man. He is very concious of others and is wise beyond his years. He can fight to save a homeless shelter one minute and then be ready to play football. he can build a tent and watch Bambi with him and then organize a group activity for 10 of his friends on a moments notice. He has a deep faith and belief in God that seems rare in a person his age. He has gotten me thru some very low moments because of his un wavering faith.

there was a song Shania Twain sang - "You're still the one." Phil was about 9 when it came out. We were going thru a rough time wiht my ex and his wife who was threatening to take Phil from us. When it would come on the radio Phil would sing this to me but he changed the words

Looks like we made it Look how far we've come my mommy We mighta took the long way We know we'll get there someday. Witch said, "I bet they'll never make it" But just look at us holding on, We're still together, still going strong. We'll beat the odds together I'm glad we didn't listen Look at what we would be missin' .

I wouldn't have missed a minute of this ride with my son. It has beeen amazing. I can't wait to see what Phil does in the next stage of his life. I will be watching with great amazement at what he accomplishes.

Yes Phil it does look like we made it but always remember
I'll love you forever
I'll Like you for always
As long as I am living
(No matter how fuzzy your face)
My baby you'll be.

May you Always have
Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust
Love
Mom