Happy Birzday Oze!

It has been a whopping 5 years today since the Lord gave us our Owen. What a lot has happened in these five years. Owen was born in the Czech Republic (in the bathroom of our little apartment - but that is another story). David and I just lay on the hospital bed praying "Lord, we don't know how to raise a special needs child, help us please!". Since that time Owen has had two heart surgeries and multiple operations to insert grommets in his ears, tests for thyroid function, hearing, eye sight and a few others I just can't remember... but you know that all seems like nothing... nothing at all when you look at the cheeky grin he gives you, when you see him dance and bop to music, when you see him running with his arms swinging, Owen style! Ahh... these five years have been so full and so rewarding. We know that the Lord has been with us.

While you are just so full of mischief and still cause your Mum and Dad to wonder what on earth we are going to do sometimes - we just love you so much, Owen! You add such a dimension to our lives that we could never have imagined - you are so much fun. This morning you gave us that shy, delighted little smirky smile when we told you it was your birthday. You didn't seem to mind that big brother wanted to open all your presents right away and both Joshua and Rosa wanted to play with all your new toys. You don't hold grudges either, Owen!

You are so absolutely affectionate! When Daddy's relatives stayed with us before the funeral you were so quick to make friends with your great Aunt and Uncle - in fact you were instantly on Great Uncle Peter's lap and followed him around - best friends at once though you had never met him before.

I was once again blown away at Grandma's house, after the funeral when Grandma's new, elderly neighbour popped in to bring a boquet of flowers that had accidentally been delivered to his door. When asked, the gentleman said that he had no grandchildren of his own, to which grandma replied "Well here, have some!" You just jumped on the man's lap and gave him cuddles instantly! He was so blown away! He said he has only his three legged dog to talk to at home and though he was new in the neighbourhood you just made him feel right at home! Who could resist the warmth of your cuddles, Owen??

Owen our prayer for you is that your sweet affection may draw many to the Lord - that your welcoming ways and "Hi" to all you meet may help to make the outsider feel welcome...

XOXOX - hope you had a special day Owen!

PS - in case you are wondering - our cowboy happens to like ice creams (see photos above)!

Thanks Dad and Mum - every cowboy should have them!