(My sweet, sweet son…I love you so!)

Once upon a time, in a land very far away, there was born a baby.

I don’t know if it was day or night, rain or shine, quiet or loud….but the baby came anyway. He was teeny tiny, with underdeveloped lungs, and other variables against him that would make it hard to survive.

But, he did.

He lived in a special place for weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks. As time went by, the variables that were against him became more clear. The things that were done to him while he was forming in the womb, would make his journey harder than anyone could imagine. He didn’t care. He was a fighter. There were infections and setbacks. There were storms and sunshine. He was completely alone.

He still fought.

One day, the cry went out to the nations. This baby was stronger than anyone ever believed he could be, and he needed a home. A family came forth, and provided him with love and food and a roof under which to live. They loved the babe and delighted in watching him grow.

There were many struggles for the boy. As he grew, his problems grew. Many tears were shed for the life that this boy would never have. He would not play football, or climb trees, or swim in the ocean. He would not eat gourmet meals or travel to exotic lands.

Yet none of this mattered, because wherever this boy went, he made people smile. His blue eyes, with long lashes, make the ladies swoon! His quick giggle and dimpled smile could melt the coldest hearts.

He slowly made everyone see that being different was a blessing—that hope can live in the darkest corners of the darkest castles.

We only need a flicker of light to keep that hope alive.

Happy birthday Jack.