Birthday Reflections

July 30 is Asher’s birthday. When he was just a few days old, I was alone with him in his room one afternoon around his nap time. As I looked at him, I became overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a child before my God, the Father of fathers. So took his tiny swaddled body in my hands, I knelt on the floor, and I literally lifted my son up in prayer, acknowledging that He belonged to the Father. Of course I had no idea what his life would become, and I certainly didn’t know what the Father was planning to do with his life. That’s probably a good thing.

I can’t tell you how much I love reading my wife’s words the day after his ninth birthday.

From Leah on Caring Bridge - August 1, 2019:

Nine years ago, God gave us a precious son. We named him Asher, which means “happy.” I prayed that he would know and be known by God and that his life would be characterized by joy.
God is still answering that prayer.
Asher’s 9th birthday has been full of memory-making: Playing with friends, birthday videos from friends and fam, hanging in his hut, wings and apple pie with family, go-kart with Daddy, presents, and shopping—from Bo-berry biscuits to Tony’s milkshakes (or morning to night, for those who don’t speak ‘food’)—it has been a good day.
There have been smiles, surprises, giggles, and tears. He grieves what this brain tumor has taken from him—being able to walk, stand, sit on his own, use his left hand, and all that he struggles with—seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing.

He wanted to wear his “best” today, i.e. his uniform. He’s a warrior, my Asher. Sometimes he fights with joy, sometimes he fights for joy.
As we walk through this—the valley of the shadow of death—with Asher, God is with us. He loves us (through many of you), He comforts us (through many of you), He provides for us (through many of you).
I am so thankful—for what God is doing in him, for what God is doing through him, for the joy that Asher is to me, for the miracle that God could work, for God’s goodness to us regardless—
My cup overflows.