Saturday, April 12, 2025

Happy 20th Birthday, Owen

Dear Owen,

Today is your 20th birthday. Two decades. How is that even possible?! We loved you before we even met you. Twenty years ago, while living in Michigan we received a phone call about a premature baby boy in Florida who needed a family. But God knew that our family also needed you. In fact, you were the specific request of your sister Eva (then four years old) asking for "a little, tiny baby brother." We are so thankful He answered her prayers by sending us you!

Which makes it all the more difficult when you - and your sisters before you - leave home and birthdays wishes become long-distance chats and calls and Amazon deliveries (though we are grateful for each of those!) We wish we could celebrate in person and give you a tight hug and share your infectious laughter. We're thankful for friends-like-family that God has placed in your life who will be part of your day instead.

The week leading up to this birthday was not an easy one. It might be fair to say the year leading up to it wasn't, either. There were high 'highs' and low 'lows'. And frankly, that's what adult life will probably look like from here on out! It's a gift and a challenge and a responsibility to make choices more independently and experience the consequences both joyful and hard. Our prayer always has been and always will be that you would pursue Jesus first and foremost and filter every choice through His Word and His will, remembering that you are God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that [you] should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)

Thank you for staying in touch with us and telling us stories from your life that keep us both laughing and praying. Dad and I admire and appreciate your work ethic as you juggle multiple jobs and keep pressing towards goals you have set. We especially love hearing about people you meet and interact with, knowing God has given you a gift to connect with others. It gives us joy to know you are engaging with a local church and meeting men who set godly examples as loving and fun leaders and providers in their homes. We are grateful for good friends who continue to walk alongside you and provide help and encouragement when you need it most. We pray you will always remember that "whoever walks with the wise becomes wise." (Proverbs 13:20)

Happy Birthday, Owen Santiago Garcia! I hope you love your sherpa wool hoodie (since as a true Florida-born son, you definitely don't like being cold!) I hope the "positive crochet taco" makes you smile like it did me. And I hope you feel loved, remembered and cherished on your special day.

All my love,

Mom

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