Oh, Caison , my precious middle child. From the beginning the thought of having a second child gave me anxiety. Could I do this all again? But once I decided I wanted another baby, I could not shake the desire. I never thought I would have any issues, so when I had to go through some infertility treatment, I realized having another child had never been my choice anyway. I prayed and prayed that God would give us another baby, and finally, a year later I found I was expecting you. God’s timing is perfect.

I had a pretty smooth pregnancy with Haydn, so I planned for my pregnancy with you to go about the same. It did until the final weeks when my gestational diabetes caused a nutrition imbalance for you. I had gone for my normal checkup and the doctor said you were in danger. Your head was measuring too big, so he determined that due to the imbalance, your brain was taking all the nutrients and hindering the growth of your body. He told me to go to the hospital and prepare to be induced- 5.5 weeks early. There were risks associated and elevated since a baby boy’s lungs develop slower than a baby girl so we should expect you to have to be on a ventilator in the NICU for at least a couple of weeks. God’s perfect timing though.

The next morning, March 26, 2002, I was induced, and I kept telling the nurse, “the baby is coming”. She was not kind and kept yelling at me to stop pushing, which I was NOT. She began to break down the bed, but thankfully stopped for reasons unknown (God’s timing). She then stepped outside to yell down the hall for the doctor implying that I was non-compliant, which again, I was NOT. While she was throwing her fit, you proceeded to push your way out and basically fell on the bed. So, yeah, all her yelling and ugliness did nothing to stop God’s timing.

To everyone’s surprise, your lungs were fully developed, and you spent zero hours in the NICU. They cleaned you up, and brought you to me, and you stared into my eyes for hours. You never took your eyes off my eyes. I know your thoughts were probably as they are now: What am I going to do next? What’s going to happen? Oh, my deep thinking Caison. Just like your momma in so many ways, God help you.

As you’ve grown you have experienced God’s timing in many ways. Everyone does, of course, but you’ve been very aware since in most instances His timing has not matched yours. You’ve had to wait and work hard for friends and girlfriends, recognition in your sports accomplishments, pets, your vehicle, and sometimes even a place to call home. God’s timing has always been just right.

Now it’s your graduation day, and you’re waiting again. God’s plan didn’t include an average senior year, and I’m thankful for that. He’s given you an outstanding year from your incredible football season, to being a peer tutor, all the gifts and goodies from Mrs. Johnson and your adopt a senior parents, MID-COUNTY MADNESS!!!, the opportunity to go visit colleges, and finally deciding to play at HPU. I know you want to know how it’s all going to go, and you can’t wait to just get started and move and live and be an adult, but please remember God’s timing. There are plenty of days to be an adult. Like I have to remind myself so often- do one day at a time and enjoy that day while it can be enjoyed. It’ll go by fast and then the next one is already here, and before you can process that day, it’s gone and the next one comes at you. Drink in each day like a refreshing, cold glass of water, and thank God for His perfect timing.

You’ve got a bright and lovely future ahead with Jesus by your side. I love you. You’re everything I prayed for and so much more. I’m so thankful God sent you when He knew the time was right. He is always right on time.

Happy Graduation day to my PNG Senior, class of 2020! 💜Mom

I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him.

1Samuel 1:27