Dear Samuel

by Rachel Marie Martin

 
Today you turn two. Actually, at 3:14 this afternoon you will “officially” be a two year old. I remember that day two years ago so well — the excitement, the worry, the trust as I had to let go of fears, and the prayers. Oh yes, I remember the prayers.

Thank you for Samuel. Thank you for Samuel. Thank you for Samuel.

With each contraction I would sing in my head those words. Over and over and over. Until the point where tears rolled down my face.

Thank you for Samuel. Thank you for Samuel. Thank you for Samuel.

Then you were born. And in that moment of utter exhaustion I began to pass out — as things closed in I held you tight — wouldn’t put your little body down. Just like now, for you I have prayed. God has heard.


Thank you for Samuel.

Samuel, you are a fighter. You are a warrior. In these two years that I have had the honor to be your mother I have seen the strength that the Lord has given you. You impress me.

I love you more than my typed words could ever say. I love your smile, and your big head, and your floppy hair, and how you say, “me goo-ten fwee” (me gluten free), how you are brave, and how you cuddle, and how you play, and when you pray at the table with us. I love your laugh, and your little body running around our home, and when you want to read books with me.

God knew we needed you in our lives.


Thank you for Samuel. Thank you for Samuel.

Thank you.


Happy Second Birthday Samuel Josiah.

I love you forever.
I like you for always.
As long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.

~mom


{the i like you poem is from the story Love you Forever by Robert Munsch}

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21 comments

Megan September 25, 2011 - 12:27 pm

Happy Birthday to your sweet Samuel.

Love you Forever is my favorite children’s book. No matter how many times I read it, I still have to stop myself from crying.

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Child of God September 25, 2011 - 2:24 pm

Happy 2nd Birthday Samuel! What a joy you are to your mom!

These pictures are amazing, the love between a mom and her baby is so very precious. Thanks for sharing them. 🙂

‘Love You Forever’ is my favourite children’s book too!

Blessings,
<><

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Masto Mama September 25, 2011 - 2:46 pm

Such a sweet posts and such gorgeous pictures of a beautiful little boy! Happy Birthday to him…may there be sooooooo many more : )

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Cindy R September 25, 2011 - 3:16 pm

Happy Birthday, Samuel! What a beautiful boy you are, and you truly are courage personified!

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Krystle September 25, 2011 - 4:03 pm

Happy Birthday Samuel!

I was thinking that when he is older, just think of the testimony his life is going to be. Such a tool for the Lord. Just him, just his person is a testimony….and it’s going to be a powerful one!

Happy Birthday to you too Mama….so much you have endured these last 2 years, and see what God has done! Blessings!

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Hope September 25, 2011 - 4:16 pm

Happy Birthday Sweet Samuel! What a special little boy he is! 🙂

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Donna Schultz September 25, 2011 - 5:50 pm

Happy Birthday Sweet Samuel!!!

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Stefanie Brown September 25, 2011 - 6:53 pm

Happy Birthday, Precious Samuel!
Thank you for sharing your most special moments with us.

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Momma Bug September 25, 2011 - 7:00 pm

5 days apart my Bryce and your Samuel!
Just the other day I was telling AJ I could see wanting to have a two-year-old boy in the house forever.
I’d never get tired of it!
The simple pleasures in life are bigger, brighter, tastier louder (definitely) and more colorful.

Happy Birthday to yours 🙂

-Analene

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Coby September 25, 2011 - 7:45 pm

Well, you made this momma cry! Happy Birthday, sweet Samuel! I don’t know you in person, but through the words your momma writes and the pictures she shares…you make this world a brighter, more joyful place!!! What a mighty little boy you are!!!

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Sam September 25, 2011 - 8:25 pm

Happy Birthday! The Lord knows how we want a Samuel of our own. The meaning of that name says it all. Hugs to you, my friend.

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Emily (Laundry and Lullabies) September 25, 2011 - 9:00 pm

Happy Birthday Samuel! It’s a pleasure to see your little face on your mama’s blog. 🙂

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BARBIE September 25, 2011 - 9:04 pm

Happy birthday Samuel! He’s amazing and beautiful!

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Aurie{OurGoodLife} September 25, 2011 - 11:18 pm

I hope that you all had a wonderful day celebrating your Samuel 🙂

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Christie Clair September 26, 2011 - 12:19 am

This post made me all teary eyed with joy… a joy that is shared by mothers everywhere. So sweet. Happy birthday Samuel and Mama!

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JoAnn September 26, 2011 - 1:55 am

Happy Birthday to Samuel. I pray he (and all of you) had a blessed, fun day. 🙂

JoAnn

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carissa September 26, 2011 - 2:37 am

i completely missed this post today until now! happy birthday, precious, most handsome, samuel!!! he is such a sweet gift and such a reminder of God’s faithfulness. love him and his mama. one day i will meet him, too. and he and hunter can play together. : ) hope today has been a sweet day of celebration.

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Lynn September 26, 2011 - 5:34 am

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET, SWEET SAMUEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE this day because there are tons of pics of Samuel on here! Oh how I love this sweet little man! I know he had a very special day today!
Praying!
2 Samuel 22:7 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.
Prayer Bears
My email address

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Trisha September 26, 2011 - 1:47 pm

What a beautiful testimony of God’s provision, Rachel. Happy Birthday, Samuel!

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Krista September 26, 2011 - 4:20 pm

Happy Birthday to Samuel! A blessed occasion indeed 🙂

My 2 year old (and his mama) also love the “love you forever song”…how sweet!

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Amanda @ The Pelsers September 27, 2011 - 4:38 pm

Happy birthday sweet boy! So happy to see you healthy and running like a little boy should be.

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