happy birthday missionary jack... updated!

{this picture was in my inbox today! he has a birthday cake... it does a mama's heart good}
My son is a missionary
What can I say?
I could not be more proud of him & the man he has become.
He is 20- today.
20 years ago we were living in Las Vegas. My water broke. I was 23 years old & I was about to have my 3rd baby. The night before I stayed up all- night- long. I'm sure I slept bits, but I stayed up & cried. I cried & cried. I was overwhelmed & nervous & sick of being pregnant. We had lost our health insurance & we were footing the bill for the new baby ourselves- praying he would be healthy & all would be well. I knew he was special. I could feel his spirit with me that night as I lay there so unsettled. It was like he was there saying - it's okay mom. The next day he came! One week early- my two previous babies had been at least a week late.
I am stunned & amazed at how far life has come since those simpler times.
I have a prayer in my heart today.
I thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to be a mother. For the faith & assurance he gave me so long ago to become a mother when it took a lot of faith- we were so young & such poor college kids. I know now that we did the right thing. I think I knew then too- but hindsight is 20/20 you know?
If I could go back I wouldn't change a thing...
except loving them more.
Loving you all more.
Happy Birthday Missionary Jack
I miss you more today- but wouldn't bring you home. You would be so mad at me... I know you are safe, I know you have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know his angels are with you. I know you are a son of God and we all our His children. I know you are doing the right thing. I am so overwhelmed when I think about you preaching on buses & streets so far away. I cannot believe well I can, how strong you are & how grown up you have become.
I love you,
mom
p.s. I have some birthday gifts for you to open when you get back... there should be two years worth... plus Christmas presents! It's going to be fun... only 378 days give or take a couple?