Big Mike Turns 15!

This weekend we celebrate Michael's 15th birthday, it is hard to believe that he is growing up already!  I suppose a lot of the usual "my baby is growing up" stuff is hard to apply as we've had him less than 2 years so we missed the infant, diaper, toddler and little boy phases and jumped right up the scale.  In Michael's case it has been an amazing journey so far.  He was a quiet little boy when we met him who typically just stayed to himself.  I didn't really see at the orphanage that he had friends or even a group that he ran with, most of the time he was off by himself in the surrounding woods.  He wasn't the kind to get into trouble and knew his place in the caste order of things, staying out from underfoot of the older kids. 


There is no other way to describe him from then to now in any terms less than a total transformation of a person.  He's grown a ton first of all, is friendly and has friends, is confident and fun loving.  He is actually a pretty warm and funny guy!  I have always loved having a son in Dylan, and it has been such a joy to add Michael to the family.  We get along great and have so much fun doing the father / son thing.  It is one thing to read all the churchy books on how important having a dad in your life makes, it is something else to live it and see how incredibly important and impactful it really is.


As with any teenager there is no telling for sure what lies ahead.  Michael is still adjusting to his new world but seems to be doing great.  In his case it seems like he just packed up and leapt forward and has never looked back.  We shall see what layers of onion peel as time goes by and what man will grow from the ashes.  I am very excited for the privilege of being a part of that and so excited for all of the potential I know he has!