HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday, today, to Alex and Isabella: 18 years old!

Alex and Isabella,
It is so hard to believe that, today, you are 18 years old. I guess we have to accept it: you are growing up and almost gone from our home. I want you both to know how grateful we are to God for bringing you into our family so many years ago. We have watched you grow up, and have seen God's work on your lives. There have been many challenges, but those are all a part of growing up. In fact, I wish I could tell you the challenges lessen or get easier as you get older; but I would be lying. The key is that God will help you through your challenges in the future, as He always has. He has used you in these years, and He has great plans to use you for His glory in the future. You just need to walk with Him.

Alex, we are so proud of you, as you signed up for the Navy and get ready to head to boot camp soon. Although it will be hard not having you here everyday, we know this is what God has planned for you; and we are excited to see how He grows and uses you during this next stage of life.

Isabella, we are also proud of you. We know this senior year has not been the easiest, but you have persevered and it is almost over. We hope you can do what you would like, as far as college next year; but if God has something else for you, even staying around home for awhile, we would be in favor of it! We know He will lead and guide you, as He has planned.

I hope you both enjoy your special birthday, and that this next year will be one of incredible blessing from God on your lives!

Love,
Dad