You Are Special

Moments have melted into years and today our oldest son is eleven! David wrote the following letter in anticipation of Zachary’s first birthday. Maybe later today I'll post the one I wrote that year too. Update...I did insert my letter at the bottom of David's.

My boy Zachary,

When dawn broke on January 17, 1997, your mother and I were getting settled in a hospital room. I distinctly recall looking out from the 5th floor window toward a brightening horizon, while snow flakes chased each other toward the cars below. The cold was bitter, and I was worried about your Mom. We expected you in a couple of hours.

While the nurses prepared to take your Mother to the room where you were going to be born, I sat across the room, waiting, wondering what you would look like. I knew that your mom wanted you to have dimples, but I just wanted you to hurry and get here.

Finally, the nurses came and pushed your mom away and I followed. I knew she was afraid, so I stood and watched her through the window where the doctors prepared to bring you into the world. I wish I could convey to you the agony your mom willingly experienced to give you life. Zachary, the first reason you are so special is because of the suffering of your beautiful mother.

But there is much more! With pride I remember the doctor turning toward me and holding you aloft. You were finally here! Dr. Blair wrapped you in a blanket and handed you to me. I held you in one hand and looked into your eyes for the first time. Right then I knew we would be best friends. I introduced you to Grandpa and Grandma Balty, Nana and Pastor Rick. Then I had to give you back to the nurse for awhile. I’ll never forget how the nurse laid you on your stomach, and you immediately pushed yourself up on your knees. I could see that you had an independent streak, and I love you for it. My darling boy, the second reason you are special beyond price is because of your unique personality that makes you different from any other child in the world.

The third reason that I’ll mention will be more understandable as you get older. I don’t have many regrets in my life, but I do regret that you never met my grandparents, Raymond and Geneva Garton. Three Christmases before you were born, Grandma Garton went to live with Jesus. I had never been so sad before. A few months later, Grandpa also went to heaven. Though I was happy for them, my heart was broken for two Christmases in a row. But three weeks after the next Christmas, God gave me the best gift I ever received. You are that gift! Zachary you are special to me because you are a masterpiece from God—a masterpiece that says God’s gifts are perfect—just as His will for our lives. The only thing that will make me more proud of you will be knowing that you love Jesus with all your heart.

Let me conclude by saying that I’ve known you for a year now. I’ve fallen in love with your smile, singing, sense of humor, and your sweet kisses that sometimes catch me by surprise. My words are cheap when I try to say how special you are, but I hope that someday when you read this you’ll sense I’m crazy about you.

Your loving Daddy

My Dear Son Zachary,

Expecting you was a glorious time and filled with delightful “firsts” for your daddy and me. Hearing your heartbeat, seeing you on ultrasound, finding out you were a boy, feeling you moving inside me and watching my belly get big and BIGGER. And the day you were born—blowing your daddy kisses as they took me away—waking up with him by my side telling me you were okay. Getting to know you was and is again full of delightful firsts. Seeing your first smile, hearing your first laugh, watching you as you begin you reach, sit up, crawl, and say, Momma.” Now you are cruising. Each stage of development is exciting and I look forward to each new day with you. You introduced me to motherhood. You are special to me because you are my firstborn.

You are very special to me because you are a gift from God—He gave you to us—how very, very blessed we are to have you in our home. We cannot imagine our lives without you. While daddy and I know that we are not perfect and we cannot shield you from all pain and hurt, it is our desire to raise you in security and peace, knowing that in our home, you are safe and unconditionally loved. You are special to me because you are a gift from God.

I’ll never forget the night we named you. It was well before you were born. Daddy and I had been thinking and taking about names…it’s funny right now I can’t remember any other names that we discussed. Anyway, I was asleep and daddy woke me up and asked, "What do you think about Zachary?” “It means remembered by God.” I said I liked it, and that was that. You were “Zachary" from that moment. We discussed John for a middle name but I really wanted you to share your daddy’s name and so together we agreed on, "Zachary David Balty." Your name has a wonderful heritage and I know that God has a wonderful plan for your life. You are special to me because you share your daddy’s name.

As I write this letter you are 11 months old. I have had several months to get to know you. I love your warm smile framed by delightful dimples. I enjoy your mischievous nature but quick attempts to obey. Your mind is so bright and curiously explorative of your surroundings. You have your daddy’s sense of humor and still my long toes. Everything about you is uniquely and wonderfully formed by the hands of God. You are special to me because you are you!

All my love, my sweet, sweet boy

Mommy
Dec 17, 1997