Happy Birthday Parker!

If I typed everything that is in my heart tonight, this would be a book and not a blog. Maybe this is just for Parker to read in later years, maybe it will bless someone in the blog world, but my heart is so full tonight that I have to write.

Dear Parker,
"You are the best thing that ever happened to me"!
That's something I have told you everyday of your life.
Ten years ago tonight, I had no idea how our lives were about to change the next day. Being a Grammy was something I had always looked forward to, but I never dreamed I would get a Parker!
Just the memory of those first days bring me to tears.
The moment you were born, I remember looking in your Mom's eyes and saying "thank you" !
I remember the first time you looked at your teenage Mom and it was love at first sight.
I remember the moment I held you for the first time.
I remember that first night we had you at home when we thought one of us needed to stand over your crib and watch you all night. (Just to be safe)
I remember your dedication! It was one of the most beautiful services I have ever been in. Pastor Denny not only prayed over you, he made you the sermon. Then DeAnza, our pastors wife and close friend, not only sang after Denny prayed for you, she held you throughout the entire song as she walked across the stage singing "He's Been Faithful"! That old Brooklyn Tabernacle song never sounded so beautiful. There was not a dry eye in the house and it was a BIG house (church)!
When they called for the family to come to the platform, not only family came but all your friends.
No three month old ever had more friends...I can still see the picture of over 60 people crowding the stage and gathering around one little baby and praying. You were so loved by so many. Your great grandparents were on the platform and one of my favorite pictures is of them holding you.
You have such a strong name. Parker Benjamin Powell..a name that represents three strong men, your two great grandfathers and your grandfather. I remember holding you and watching Good Morning America when 9/11 happened. I knew then that you would grow up in a different America than I had.
I remember every fun birthday party you have had...How can it be number 10? Wow we have crammed a lot in the last 10 years.
You gave a new meaning to grandparent trips. You began going to market with us by the time you were two and have always had a Junior Buyers tag. You have always loved a good hotel.
We have seen the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero, spent time at the beach, spent summers in Santa Fe. We have visited Mickey more times than I can count...you always remind me how many times . You have traveled so many places with Pop. You have met professional athletes, spent a little time with Shaq, and you have traveled to more states in ten years than I have in my 50 plus years. What memories we have made.
Pop has the privilege of taking you to breakfast every morning and then to school. He treasures those times...and then you come home to our house in the afternoon.
No words are sweeter, than your favorite line..."Grammy, your boy is home" ! I am always glad that you are...
Watching you grow up has been so much fun. You are fun, kind, caring and everything a Grammy could want. Now you are a Big Brother and you are excellent at that job...That always makes me smile. Jack adores you.
Happy Birthday Parker....I love you more than you can ever know,
Grammy

Please continue to pray for Maggie and grab her button...