Dear Azariah Jackson,

Happy Birthday, Buddy! The last year with you was amazing. After five years, we were finally able to rest in the fact that you will be with our family forever. Those five years of waiting taught us a lot but were also filled with uncertainties. Your adoption last March brought all of those uncertainties to a close, thankfully! The Lord helped us each step of the way, but we are very grateful for the closure we have all felt this last year.

Having an adoption party at Disney World was the best! You loved riding all the rides and swimming in the pools at Fort Wilderness Campground. Dancing and roasting marshmallows with Chip ‘n Dale was also a blast. We love your big personality and creative mind. Your mind is always thinking of ways to be entertained. Maybe that is why you gave yourself a haircut on the way back to the resort. We all laughed and giggled. Dad had to buy a set of clippers and finish what you had started.

Celebrating your 7th birthday a few months later was also a lot of fun. Of course, you requested pizza and fishing gear. You are quite the fisherman, and your knowledge of all the creatures that live in the water amazes me. You would rather be fishing or exploring outdoors more than anything else. We have to watch you closely because you have no fear. When you set your mind to something, it cannot be changed. You keep us on our toes, that is for sure.

We love your willpower and ambition. We are certain the Lord is going to use all of your energy for something amazing one day. You just have to be willing to let Him. I have no doubt that you will! You enjoy church and often have one of the Lord’s songs freely flowing. When you sing, it brightens my days.

We love you so much! Keep being you, and don’t ever lose your quirky personality. Continue being kind and going out of your way to help others. Follow the Lord and let Him direct your paths. He has great things in store!

Love Always,

Mommy

How old are you? 7
What is your favorite food? Cheeseburgers
What do you hope you never have to eat again? Salad and green beans
What is your favorite thing to do? Fishing
What is your favorite animal? Bluegill
What makes you happy? Catching bluegill and bass
What is the best memory from when you were 6? Going to Bald Head Island
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 7? Catch bass
What would you like to do when you grow up? police officer
What is your favorite song? Sunday Sermons by Anne Wilson
Where is your favorite place to eat? McDonald’s
What is your favorite book? Bible
Where would you like to go on vacation? Universal Studios
What would you like the world to know? About God

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.