Happy Birthday Gabriel!

Two years ago today was a morning of excitement, anticipation and uncertainty. The landscape of our family has changed tremendously over the past two years, but those same emotions are still present for us, as they are for any family. That day we celebrated a birth day, a new life joining our family - but it was tempered by worry and anxiety for it was a tenuous start at best. We had so many questions with few answers - those with the medical knowledge had questions with few answers that day as well, and even in the days to come. We were helpless in many ways but one - we prayed, it was all we could really do.

Last night I was reading through some materials for the Children's Liturgy today and the topic is "God always hears and answers our prayers" - and it was just what I needed - "funny" how that happens sometimes, dontcha think? There was a quote in the preparation materials that I have heard before and am certainly familiar with, but it was different to be looking through this information with the intent to discuss it with others - in this case 3-5 year olds! "Yes, God always answers prayers - but not always in the way we want or expect. He can say 'Yes' or 'no' or 'wait'...His timing is different from our own - we always want things right away, but God knows that sometimes it is important to wait."

In other words, we don't always get what we want, but we always get what is best. Ultimately, our prayers gave us our hearts desire - a healthy happy toddler who will hopefully continue to grow into a happy, healthy young man. I am so curious to see how all of our boys "turn out" so to speak, but I won't rush their younger years. I am trying to hold on to everything I can. These days, we still experience excitement, anticipation and uncertainty, but that is no different than the roller coaster of emotions experienced in your "typical" family - yes, our prayers have been answered - and we are grateful our patience has rewarded us with strong faith and loving family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABRIEL TIMOTHY!!!

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