Thursday, February 19, 2009

Eighteen Today

{Once again, no digital photos for younger years....}

Jamin is 18 years old today!

There were times many wondered if Jamin would survive childhood. He was in the ER almost routinely...jumped off a picnic table - stitches, brick landed on his head - stitches, jumped off a fence - stitches....and there were the quite frequent trips to relocate his shoulder.....Chick-Fil-A has a first aid kit with Jamin's name on it. ::snort::

I was told by many that Jamin would "never learn to read or write if you don't drug him now." We chose not to. Looking back we now know that Jamin has many of the same "alphabets" as Zander. That gives me great hope and peace as we walk Zander's path. An older friend told me years ago - when Jamin was about 5 - that I'd cherish my relationship with Jamin as an adult because I had "paid the price" for the young man he would become. I wasn't sure exactly what she meant.....may really not be now...but I've got to tell you that I THRILL when I see Jamin calm, collected, reading, writing and pursuing his dreams....because so many said it wouldn't happen. God is good! We often laugh around here when we watch Zander. Jamin finds it hard to believe he was as much of a handful as Zander - but his older siblings guarantee him he was. ::snort::

I love the passion that drives Jamin into any new pursuit.

I love how kind and caring he has become with Zander and Stacia.

Life has not been easy for Jamin in our family. Jamin is an introvert who craves routine. God placed him in the midst of a large and somewhat chaotic family (though we HAVE tried to establish routine and isolation as needed). I can remember when he was YOUNG having many conversations with Jamin in which I would attempt to assure him that God had placed him in our family because he was best for us and because we were best for him. I told him that, left to his own nature, (and if he'd had his heart's desire to be an only child), he'd never learn to interact with all the personalities he sees daily. It was a joy to read his letter to the editor last weekend and see 1. that he's learned to communicate on topics of social relevance in a way that his generation and culture can "hear", 2. that he had the passion to take a stance, and 3. that he said he was GLAD he wasn't aborted and that he grew up in a large family. YES, GOD! You've blessed our lives with our introvert and we've blessed his.

Jamin, we are so very proud of you and the path you have traveled. We are proud of the work of grace that God has preformed in your life. We look forward to see where God is taking you next. I have no doubt that we will one day see your novels carried by a major publisher. I'm also not surprised that you are drawn to intercultural ministries.

I'm sorry that Dad isn't here for your birthday. We'll celebrate big when he returns. Happy Birthday!

Oh, the trials of an introvert with lots of younger siblings....Photobucket

...but there is always a way to find a spot alone.
Photobucket

Jamin's 2003 birthday - 12 years old

Photobucket

He doesn't even LIKE fishing but does it with his brothers and dad! LOL
spring 04

Fall 2005

Second novel done - 2008!
another novel done

Photobucket
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.

6 comments:

Kathy in WA said...

Happy Birthday Jamin!! Wow, what a beautiful story/remembrance, De'Etta. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Stephanie said...

Happy Birthday Jamin!!

I look forward to all of your posts about your family. They are an amazing testimony that God has a reason and a plan for everyone. I look forward to the day that you announce on SHS that Jamin's book was picked up by a publisher!

berrypatch said...

I'm really enjoying reading your wonderful birthday posts. Really like looking at the photos too! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAMIN!

Anonymous said...

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.-- Galatians 6:9

You, dear sister, are reaping a wonderful God given harvest, not just in Jamin, but in each of your children! Your motherhood of ministry is marvelous!

Happy Birthday to Jamin! It's been a blessing to read of his growth. It gives me much hope for my A.J.

May our Lord use Jamin to set his generation on fire for Jesus with his writing. In it there is clarity, conviction of belief and strength.

Debbie said...

Happy Birthday, Jamin!

Wild Homeschool Family said...

Happy Happy Birthday Jamin. I'm sure it's hectic in reality but it's fun to see so many birthday posts all within a few weeks for your family!