Riding shotgun with Ben

Sixteen. What a milestone! Happy birthday, Ben! 

This boy has kept me on my toes since the day he was born, but he’s also shown me the world from a different perspective, taught me so much, and helped deepen my relationship with Jesus. I’m truly grateful for his life and being here together. 

There are things about Ben’s story I really want to share, but mental health is such a personal journey that I’m holding those details close to my heart. Of all the 16 years, the past few years have specifically been quite a journey, but I know we’ve come out stronger and closer together. And I’m excited about the story I believe God is going to continue writing in my boy’s life. 

Ben loves golf, his dog, Red Bull, riding the four-wheeler, and driving his 2017 Dodge Ram 1500. That’s right, my boy has a truck. If you’ve been around him the last few weeks, I’m sure you’ve heard about it! He’s a pretty good driver, and I’m to the point I make grocery orders, respond to texts, and add things to my calendar while I’m riding shotgun. He can’t get his license until at least April, so I’ll just make myself comfortable in that passenger seat. He prefers work over school, loves playing Clash Royale, and is a good friend to many people of all ages. 

Ben’s life is a gift to our family and so many others. I pray he continues to see that and trust that God has good, good plans for him. We celebrated his 16th birthday this weekend with friends and family at Top Golf and Putt Shack. Fore! Here’s to another year of knowing and loving my boy. 

Happy birthday, Ben! You make me laugh, challenge my first-born ways, and bless so many. I hope you continue to draw near to God and trust what He has for you from here. 

***** 

Look back on my boy’s life: 1 year old. 2 years old. 3 years old. 4 years old. 5 years old. 6 years old. 7 years old. 8 years old. 9 years old. 10 years old. 11 years old. 12 years old. 13 years old. 14 years old. 15 years old. I share more of Ben’s adoption story in my book “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family,” which is available on Amazon.

God authors the stories on our porches – in every season. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to  #PorchStories emails to receive them about every other week.