For Whitney…we went to every concert and every church service when she was on the worship team, even if it meant listening to the same sermon four times in one weekend. We still listen when she sings and are amazed that she can do that.
For Tori…we listened to her stories and read her stories and bought journals and fountain pens and old, beat up books that became her dearest treasures. Today, we read the words she writes and are amazed that she can do that.
For Tess…we go slowly. Slowly on walks and to movies and shopping because she will want to stop and take a picture. Or seven. And then we look at them and are amazed that she can do that.
For Joe…we don’t know yet. We don’t know what he’ll love or be good at or long to do with his life. But we know, whatever it is, we sure want to be there. Because being a parent is a lot like opening a beautiful package to discover an incredible treasure waiting inside (and sometimes the treasure is cleverly-disguised by a milk mustache.)
So here’s to all the moms who freeze at football games and smile through middle school band concerts…to all the parents who still laugh at the same silly joke the seventh time it’s told and buy twelve rolls of fundraiser gift wrap when they don’t need any at all…to every dad who’s stayed up late to make sure his son is home safe or driven 23 miles out of his way so his girl will see a friendly face on a hard day at work: you are superheroes without the superpowers and that’s the hardest kind of hero to be.Ā It’s amazing, really, the things we do for love.
Astounded by the great gifts of God,
Bo
Bo Stern 
Oh wow- I needed to hear this, today. Thanks, Bo! It’s nice to have some perspective outside of the 3-year-old range.
Yep, Tori, I have vivid memories of three. Four times. š Two was never challenging for me like three…but I’ve always felt that year four was beyond wonderful.
Good to hear, Bo! I have been feeling overwhelmed sometimes by the 3-year old life! with a little baby tugging along, too. You encouraged me!
You made me cry on my lunch break just now…and I’m amazed that you can do THAT! š
Thanks for everything – you know what I mean.
Whit
Thank you…again. as usual.
Thank you! This is amazing! And even better to hear someone else had a hard 3 instead of 2! SO I’ll be looking forward to 4! š
Joe has such a sweet personality. And he is amazingly patient with people smaller, slower, and not yet as smart. I can’t wait to see what his thing will be!
Oh, Mom. While I’ll admit that it’s really not hard to do, you always make my heart so so warm when you write about Whit, Tess, or Joe. I love them in extravagant and sweeping ways.:) I love Whitney because she’s my example of gentility. In just about everything, she is regal beyond her years. Also, she’s down right hilarious. I can be nothing but proud of Tess as she is graceful and mysterious. The more time I spend with her, the more I value my words. And to be honest, I try not to think about how…hmm…I’m literally sitting here unable to think of words to describe Josiah. All I know is that when I think about it too much, my heart melts and then slips out of my eyes. He is quieter and stronger than all of us; my hero little brother.
Thanks Mom and Dad for all of the journals, the fountain pen, the treasures, and the many many stories you read and listened to. Without you, I could never do this.
Love always,
Heart-Warmed College Daughter.