Linking up with Lisa Jo again this week to participate in Five Minute Friday. I love this because it is just a commitment of five minutes of unedited writing….we can all do that can’t we?? So if you haven’t started this series yet…today’s the day! 

Today’s word is REMEMBER – ready, set go –

Our 9 yr old Gabriel is very sick. He has Influenza B and has been in bed since Tuesday night. To add insult to injury, this was his week to be the “Star Student” at school. There was something special planned for him each day of the week including lunch with mom and having dad be the mystery reader for the class.

For Wednesday we were asked to write a letter to Gabriel that his teacher could read to him and the  rest of the class. It is still sitting in his backpack. 🙁 So I thought I would remember Gabriel today and share our letter here.

Dear Gabriel,

Congratulations!! You are the Star Student this week! I don’t know that there are enough words to describe just how proud of you that your dad and I are. We are so lucky to have you as a part of our family. After having Isaac we waited 7 long years to add you to our family and everyone was so excited when you were born! When you were 3 months old you got very, very sick and spent 9 days in the hospital. It was very scary for us, but you were strong and a fighter and when you got better we knew that God had something special planned for you in your life.

You are a wonderful brother and do such a great job helping to take care of Elijah and Karlena.  Elijah loves to be able to share a room with you and always wants to do what you are doing!  He thinks you are a pretty cool big brother!  You are always looking for ways that you can be helpful at home and we really appreciate that!  School has always been easy for you and we are thankful that you enjoy it and work hard to complete your homework. We know that you always try your best and we have always been proud of your efforts in school.

Gabriel, you are always finding ways to entertain us! You like to tell jokes and do magic tricks and recently you are learning karate and have really progressed quickly! It is amazing how fast you can learn something new and remember it! You are very smart!

When we went to California for a vacation you wanted to ride on the scary roller coaster Space Mountain at Disney World. Even though you were only 5 you were very brave and insisted on riding with the big boys. When we went to Florida a few years later you rode on every scary ride – even ones that mom wouldn’t go on! You have no fear Gabriel!

 You have an enthusiasm for life and we love that about you! You are passionate and caring and are always looking for ways to do nice things for other people. When we moved from South Dakota to Minnesota you had a positive attitude and never complained. You saw the changes as an adventure and you have made Marshall your home.

You aren’t afraid to try new things like basketball and karate. And when you do try a new sport you always do well and practice so that your skills improve. You should be proud of all you have accomplished!

 One of the best parts of my day is when I pick you up from school and get to ask how your day was, how lunch was and if you have any homework. Even though I always know the answer, I ask anyways and like to make you laugh.

 Gabriel, I wish that I had time to share all of the fun stories that I remember about you. I want you to always remember that your dad and I love you very much and we are just so thankful that God gave us the honor of being your parents. We know that you will do great things when you grow up and we will be here to support you in any way we can as you learn and grow.

Thank you for being you Gabriel – we don’t ever want you to change because you are perfect just the way you are!  Love, Mom and Dad