HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEF BEN!

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My middle son Ben turned seventeen today...But honestly, it doesn't seem like he's that old. He's just such a wonderful kid that I have to think about the fact that he's a Junior in High School....It's the age that usually makes a mom cringe with worry...Yet with Ben...It's different. He's the quintessential middle child. Conscientious, dependable, smart, deeply sensitive-yet amazingly confident.

Ben has faced more challenges than any child should have to deal with. Some pretty serious parental and family issues...and then anorexia. Somehow though, he's still a straight A student with a 4.4 average...He works after school, socializes with friends and is now the chef Du jour in our home. Ben can and does-cook up some of the most amazing dishes that come from his growing repertoire of recipes. In fact- he's such a good cook that now I'm a little intimidated! Imagine that!

I can't imagine our home without Ben...He's the anchor that holds his four brothers together and the rock that remains firmly planted in all the right places. I knew from the beginning he would be a special son...I fought hard to hold on to his life in the early weeks of pregnancy...And he's fought hard to stay alive through the
ups and downs and many challenges of his young life.

My friend Penny visited the other day and she commented how he looked like an angel as he walked into the room. Smiling warmly, Ben chatted with her and kindly listened as she talked about teaching him to make meatballs and pasta shuta. He didn't rush off or make fun or roll his eyes...He gave her his full attention and respect...because that's who he is.

This Thanksgiving Ben will be in the kitchen roasting up the Turkey while I'll be standing on the sidelines counting my many blessings and thanking God for the gift of Ben who came to me on the wings of a prayer and through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The gift of his life is the kind of gift that keeps on giving because Ben keeps on growing more special with each and every day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN-WE LOVE YOU!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Happy Birthday Chef Ben is very touching. Thanks for sharing, I look forward to following your blog! Leah
January 15, 2011
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