To Trenton – My Son – Now you are a dad…. this very second and forever more, you’re a dad! There is no circumstance or event or obstacle that will ever change that fact. Already you feel the weight that comes with that responsibility. The need to protect, fight for, provide for – is instinctive and primal. This little being has life, it has your DNA, it has the samplings of your very best traits and some of your not so great traits… You will soon rub Lauren’s belly and put your ear there to listen to a heartbeat, and feel the sudden kick of a tiny little foot, letting you know “I’m here, I can hear you, and I love you already”. Everything has changed, nothing will ever be the same again, and you would have it no other way. Your child is a blessing from God, of the very best kind. You have participated in the divine – you have created something where there was nothing- and in your very likeness. You will be forever proud of this child, and this child will forever carry your name and your heart. You work hard, you play hard, you are well loved – you wife finds comfort in your arms, your friends find laughter in your voice. You have a servant’s heart. You are blessed. pas

To Lauren – Forever my baby girl – You carry a life within you. Another heartbeat in sync with yours, getting sustenance through it’s connection to you. 10 little fingers and toes, maybe a wrinkled up nose and blonde wisps of hair. This child is, and will be your everything. This child will make you smile, make you cry, make you bellylaugh, make you roll your eyes, make you catch your breath, make you sigh in relief, make you shake your fist, make you clap your hands, make you fully human, make you complete. You ARE blessed. You are recognized for your professional accomplishments. You find rest and security in a beautiful home. Your husband calls you friend and lover. Your family rallies to your side. But your child… your child will see your eyes first, will reach for you instinctually, will sleep to the cadence of your heartbeat, be warmed by your tender snuggles. You are a mom – now and forevermore – with all the rights and responsibilities that come with that name. Mom – speak it, embrace it, delight in it –  you are blessed by it. pas

To my Grandbaby – We’ve never met but we speak daily. Even now I speak words of encouragement, and health, and great accomplishment over you. The cosmos catches my words and directs them to your tiny ears. Your head bends toward the echo of my voice. You ARE somebody, you are special, you will make a difference in the world, you will be wise and you will be strong, in your body and in your soul. You will be blessed and you will be a blessing to others. Your grand-mommy and I, your auntie Amanda, your uncle Jay, your grandma and grandpa Watters, will be here for you. Whenever you need a safe place, a warm embrace, an understanding ear, a firm piece of advice, a new outfit, or just a friend, you can always count on us. Your mom and dad are awesome and you’re very lucky that they picked you to create. They will cherish you and bring out the very best in you. They will sacrifice to provide you with the very best that life has to offer, and when you are older, you will recognize and know that you are loved. Be blessed.  pas

To Amanda – You are my firstborn – the one who came into this world with the mindset and sensibilities of an adult. The best combination of lace and fire. Soft features and blunt tongue. You are our go-to girl. With ever present maternal instincts, you protect your sister. With fierce loyalty you support your husband with devotion and pride. You share your insights on life and culture with your parents and keep us relevant. You share your insecurities and vulnerability with us and keep us mindful that you are mortal. You are blessed in your home, in your marriage, in your finances, in your business. You have keen insight into people and into circumstances. You are stronger than you know or even willing to admit. You are fierce in your determination, talented beyond your life experiences, consummate homemaker, successful entrepreneur,  soul mate, and the best mom that the best pup could ever hope to have. You will not fear vulnerability you will not listen to the nay-sayers. You will walk in your light, in your creativity, in your truth and in the end be content that you have lived fully. You are blessed. pas

To Jay – My son – The thinker, the thoughtful, the cerebral, the over achiever. You are content with yourself. Happiest when you can come back to the simple joy of home, wife, pup. Your confident and sometimes temperamental facade belie the sensitive, giving, nurturer  that lives so close to the surface waiting for an opportune moment to express itself. From an outsider’s perspective, success has come easy for you. But only you know the work, the sweat, the anguish, the self-doubt, the living up to expectations, the fear of disappointing, the applause of the cheering, and the deafening sound of defeat. Your life experiences have made you old in wisdom beyond your years. You measure twice and cut once. You count the cost before you leap. But in your structure and methodology you have found a space to build a solid home. With a foundation of mutual trust, and walls of support that say you’re safe here, with a door that says, go explore, be creative, fly high – I’ll be here for you. Your ability to realize in yourself and others the best expression of themselves, is a gift. You are blessed. pas

To Finley – The very definition and living embodiment of unconditional love. She holds no grudges, has no unforgiveness in her heart. Her entire existence is simply to bring those she encounters, joy. Oh that we could all live that way. You are such a blessing.  pas

To Jackie – The love of my life, the food for my soul, my biggest fan,  my reference point for hope in the world. Being a mom has been your greatest joy and being a grandmommy has stretched your heart to the point of bursting. What you lacked as a child, you have given to your children. What was given to you conditionally, you have offered freely. What you were never able to feel, you have made others be able to feel deeply. You are an overcomer, a fighter, a survivor, a beauty, a tender heart. You know the pain of rejection and loss, and it has scarred you, but it does not define you. You are brave and very courageous, even at your most vulnerable moments. You walk in truth and ask for nothing back but to be loved whole heartedly. WE are your family, we love you for being you, and for your ability to love us just as we are. You are blessed, and we are blessed by you. pas