A Celebration for Victor P

Today is Victor's 18th birthday! I haven't been around for the entirety of his 18 years but the seven that I have been around I wouldn't trade them in for anything. Well...maybe just a little less stress! But he's worth it. I can do it!

Hagie and I planned a surprise celebration for him at Dave and Busters. I sincerely think this was the first year of his life that anyone made a big deal about his birthday. Sad. Poor guy, knew he was in for something when I walked in his room this morning and told him that he had an hour to get ready and that he'd be riding blindfolded. His response: "You can't be serious!"

Waiting for him at D&B were the Cook's and the Chisolm's to celebrate him! Fun was had by all and Victor always enjoys spending time with his cousins, after many years of not getting to see them very regularly. Vic racked up on cash and gift cards and walked out of there a happy camper.

I salute Vic. He has had to endure a lot in his short life, none of it his fault and nothing a child should have to go through. Over the past couple of months I have been able to watch him set goals for himself, show his "big brother" skills, and enjoy being a part of a functioning family.

My prayer for Victor P during the next year is that he will fully understand that he is loved unconditionally, that he has a team of parents that will emotionally support him until the end and that it's OK to be him.

So Cheers (with a Sprite of course...Vic's favorite) to my most favorite step-son!