I blinked, and before I knew it, that season of parenting by myself was long gone. After a lonely five years, Joey and I were no longer on our own. Adam joined the ranks and became my partner in crime . . . I mean parenting!
Before I knew it, preschool became elementary school, which transitioned into junior high, and then turned into senior year of high school and college applications! How did we get here so quickly? It really shouldn’t feel this surprising, but here we are.
And I’m searching the rearview mirror for proof!
Before I knew it, working an 8-to-5 schedule at the office while my baby grew into a little boy became a thriving small business, working from home as all my children grow and play and learn and mature. And now, my baby is a man, towering over me and stepping out into the world with independence and maturity.
Parenting an adult is definitely a new chapter. While I’m excited to read the pages ahead and watch where God takes him, I still love to reminisce about those early years and remember all the milestones and accomplishments we’ve experienced along the way.
One of those special chapters was watching Adam become Joey’s Dad at the same time he became my husband. Watching their relationship develop over the years has been one of my life’s true joys.
As I’m writing this, it’s the day after Joey’s 18th birthday. So you can imagine that the memories have flooded my thoughts these couple of days. Yesterday was an unexpected kind of day, with more contemplative joy than excited fun.
Significant and oh so meaningful, to say the least.
Adam wrote such a beautiful birthday blessing for our son, which will give you an idea of that aforementioned joy that fills my heart with gratitude to God for His work of redemption in my life. I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Excerpt from “”A New Life Transition” by Adam Lowe, published April 24, 2024
“It is likely safe to say that most people will be familiar with the story of the Prodigal Son, but you might not have gotten as deep into the details and background as might be necessary to fully understand the truth and beauty of the father in that story. There are so many little details about the Father that are truly wonderful and that act as a reflection of our Heavenly Father. . .
. . . I have been that prodigal son. I have struggled in so many ways to find my place. But as my life has progressed and I have grown, I’ve learned, as Nouwen says, that “Whether you are the younger son or the elder son, you have to realize that you are called to become the father”. . .
. . . You see, Joey was 5 years old when Stacia and I got married. It was a huge deal to get married and become a parent on the same day, and not something that I have taken lightly ever since. Now, sure, we have had 3 more boys since then, but you, Joseph, are the only person in this world who gets to claim the title of having made me a father. You will always be special to me for a million reasons, but for that one, especially. . .”
To continue reading Adam’s full blog or listen to it on his podcast, click HERE.
Son, Dad and I are so proud of the man you are. We pray every day for God’s favor and joy in your life to be evident and abundant. We can see the fruit of answered prayer in your life as I’ve prayed your life verse over you throughout the years:
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 NIV
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