Dear Owen,
Your 16th birthday fell on a Monday this year and two warm chocolate chip oatmeal bakes came out of the oven to start the week off right!
To be honest, food was at the top of the list of birthday requests and I like to think this day did not disappoint.
My homemade breakfast was followed by Dad's homemade lunch, consisting of no less than SIX varieties of pizzas made by hand!
His creations were beautiful with chewy light dough and flavors of pepperoni, chicken, broccoli, peppers, spicy jalapeños, and more.
The preparations began the night before and he spent hours working to present a delicious meal to you and all of us.
I think you may have discovered by now that your dad's love language is "acts of service" - and in so doing he showed that he loves you well!
Unfortunately, your 16th birthday was spent in quarantine just as the year before.
But as the months have worn on, I have observed you adjusting to our smaller reality while gaining momentum in your studies and still maintaining some of the neighborhood friendships you've developed over the years.
I have always admired your personality and resilience, seeing in you that initial discomfort with change and lack of familiarity followed by the way you inevitably adjust and thrive.
It's a gift God has given you and one I look forward to seeing Him continue to use in your life!
This summer (mainly June through August) you will be facing yet another change that I trust you will confront with courage and confidence.
Your sister Eva is the happiest of all, because as a result of this change you will find yourself serving at the Ranch with her in PA.
Your sister Isabel is also glad, because it means you will be her travel companion back to the United States.
The little brother they used to playfully dress up in shimmering fairy wings is now a towering 6'1" bodyguard that makes them both feel safe.
Where has the time gone? In the blink of an eye you are sixteen and soon you will be starting your second-to-last year of high school.
As a mom, I feel admiration and pride and the bittersweet longing to relive some of your younger years while also being expectant and hopeful for all that God is going to do in and through you as you continue to walk with Him.
I love that you are a a man-child, so big and yet still appreciating and needing us. I hope you know that you can always count on Mom and Dad for anything! There are so many people that love you.
Speaking of which, the picture with your birthday cake makes me smile. Continuing with the food theme, Aunt Terri at your request (and for the second year!) made you the richest, thickest, triple layered chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.
Silas, of course, hovered at your elbow in great eagerness to help you extinguish those sixteen glowing candles. He, too, loves his big brother "Roomie!"
Dad captured your birthday song on Facebook Live and the humorous words you shared afterwards:
Dear Owen, it's a privilege to love you - and we do. Happy Sweet 16th Birthday to you!
All my love,
Mommy
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