a day to celebrate

By | 8:07 AM 9 comments
Today is Eli's fourth birthday.

Not according to his birth certificate, but according to his birthmom. And that is reason enough to celebrate around here.

It is also his first birthday, in a way, as it is his first as a part of our family and Ethiopian culture doesn't traditionally celebrate birthdays.

And especially the life of a little one whose mother struggled to provide enough food for him to eat on a daily basis. I hardly think he ever got a cake. Or a song sung to him on his special day.

But it is his special day. And his life is worth celebrating.

And so we will. In a simple four year old way...

Pancakes for breakfast.
Park for playtime.
A few simple presents. (He doesn't want or need anything right now...why mess a good thing up!)
Extra hugs, snuggles, and I love you's.
And a party to come later in the week.

And for me, as his second Mommy...time to reflect and pray for his first Mom, whom I can't help but think about today and wonder if she is remembering this day in her heart?

I can't even begin to put into words my thankfulness for this child the Lord has allowed me to love. For what his life has taught me. And for all the amazing things that he is...

His crooked head, costume wearing, gator driving, funny, quirky, stubborn, resilient, gentle, observant, and very much loved self!

Happy Birthday Eli Cade!


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9 comments:

mommajeane said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI---WE LOVE YOU!

Can't wait to help you celebrate your day of birth...

NaNa and Paw Paw and all of your aunts and uncles in WV.

ADawson said...

Happy Birthday Eli!!!

We love you Eli!
Love Uncle Fro, Aunt Tasha, Rainy, Zeke, Cai and Shabila:)

Happy Birthday! We are so glad the Lord brought you into this family.

Kelly Via said...

Happy Birthday, Eli!!! Have a wonderful day!!

Nataly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Catelyn said...

Happy Birthday Eli....I am so thankful that God has brougth you where you are.I love you my 4 year old nephew. Your aunt Cate

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELI! WE LOVE YOU! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU AGAIN!
HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BIRTHDAY PARTY WITH ALL KINDS OF FUN!

HUGS AND KISSES,
GRAMMA, PAW PAW, ADDIE, ALIYA & CHRISTIAN!!

MeMe and Poppee love you Eli. You are very special to us.

Unknown said...

Happy belated birthday to Eli! He and his Great Aunt Donna BOTH celebrate on March 22nd. How cool! Hugs and kisses!