Yesterday was Dieunison's birthday. He has been telling us it is coming for months, so that we would be sure to remember and get him a gift, which we did. There were sunglasses, new clothes, a soccer ball and brownies. Celebrating him was a welcome spot of joy in an emotional week. Dieunison has a way of crawling into your heart and rooting there, whether or not you planned for it.
Loving this half grown boy is hazardous to one's emotional health. He has this way of walking when asked to help with some chore, back straight and head held high, full of grace and purpose. Knowing he is contributing gives him dignity. Dieunison has also had a huge growth spurt since January. Taller than I am now, he is brimming with life and long legged promise. Some days he looks more and more like a young man, with broadening shoulders and a swagger when he walks. At other times he is still the kid who would rather walk a longer, sunnier path than a shorter, shaded one because he likes looking at all the cars on the longer route. He is full of curiosity and mischief, asking for money for the house party he plans on hosting one day, and telling a visiting group his name is Obama the next.
Loving this half grown boy also keeps me on my knees on prayer. He has so much promise for the future, his people skills and intelligence mean there is little he is not capable of. Sometimes that scares me, as I think about all the ways this world, this country can tear down young men with promise. Will you join with me on prayer for this precious boy, as we continue to celebrate him? Join with me in prayer that he would be filled so full of love that this world would not tear him down or quench his precious spirit? Thank you.
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