Dear Raylan,
 
Today is your 5th Birthday. Happy Birthday my sweet sweet son! Every year on your birthday, I look back at all of the photos I have of you, and I cry. Some are sad tears because you are growing up entirely way too fast and it breaks my heart. I wish I could keep my tiny baby little forever. However, the tears are mostly happy tears. I am just so thankful that God blessed me to be your mom.  Somehow, in the blink of an eye, you have gone from a 7 lb 3 oz newborn to a 5 year old boy. I love watching you grow!
 
Your dad and I are so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished in just 5 short years. You are more than half way through your first year of Head Start. You have already learned so much. I truly am amazed at how much knowledge that you hold inside. I love how you have come out of your shell in this last year and became your own little independent person. I also love the fact that you are making new friends and how you love school. I hope you never lose your love of learning. I love your wittiness and how you love to tell jokes.  One of my favorite things about you at this age is your love for Jesus and church. Right now every night we read the 23rd Psalm and you have it memorized. That is just so precious to me. I pray that you always hold Jesus close to your heart and never let him go. Please never lose your love for Jesus and your love of going to church.
 
On your birthday, I want to tell you how incredibly blessed we are to have you. You truly are the sweetest, most caring, and loving little boy. I love what a big heart you have and how you love to help others. On a daily basis, you do kind things to help your friends and family. You showed me this at Christmas when you wanted to help one of your friends that was in need. You also have a fiesty side to you too that I love. It lets me know that you are going to stand your ground and not let others run over you. Your dad and I love every single thing about you and we wouldn't change you for the world. However, we would change this cruel world for you. Please don't ever change who you are and don't let anyone try to change you. You are exactly who God created you to be.
 
 I love the love that  you have for your momma and I pray that never changes.  The hugs and cuddles may get fewer and far between because you are growing up, but my love for you will never change. No matter how old you get, you will always be mommy's little boy. In me you will always have a safe place. A place where you can always be yourself.  I will be here to listen when you need to talk, hold your hand, and wipe those tears away.  I hope and pray that I can always be the mom that you need me to be. You are my biggest blessing and my greatest accomplishment in this life.  To me, you are perfect. I will always cheer you on and be on your side. I am so very proud to be your mom.

Happy 5th birthday my sweet boy! I hope you have a blessed day!

Love,

Momma Bear