Happy 10th Birthday Blake!

Dear Blake,
     Yesterday, you turned 10.  Double digits just don't seem possible!!!  We were so tired from your slumber party 7 boys, that I did not get to write to you last night.
     10 years ago, we had no idea how our life would change.  It was just me and Daddy and since you came along, nothing has ever been the same, and we wouldn't have it any other way!!!!
     You have been through a lot in the last year.  It was the most stressful year for us with you as we watched you suffer through many tests that determined that you had chronic osteomyelitis in your leg.  You and I (and your Daddy too) made many trips to Atlanta.  You went through 6 months of high dosage antibiotics and never complained.  You were such a trooper!  You also freaked us out when you almost chopped your finger off with the bike chain.
     You also watched your Grandaddy fall and go into a dementia care home.  This has been especially hard on you and you continue to have a hard time dealing with this.  You love your Grandaddy so much and he loves you more than you know.  The two of you have a special bond and have lots of great memories that you have made together.  You have become very compassionate and caring towards people with special  needs because of your Grandaddy.  You should be very proud of yourself.  We sure are proud of you.
     You contninue to keep us on our toes.  We never know what you are going to come up with.  You love to build and design things and have come up with many great inventions to help Grandaddy in situations that he has difficulty with.  I  hope you will continue to use that smart brain of yours to make GREAT choices.
    I can't wait to see what this year brings for you.  I hope that it brings fewer hospital visits, good grades and choices.
     We are so thankful for you and love you very much!  I hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Love,
Momma