I have talked a lot about my friend, Elaine Santos, as well as her sweet boys. I really want to tell you all about how special these three boys are to me.
Mark is the oldest, and is finishing 6th grade at Hutch. Mark is one of those kids who is so smart and excels at everything he sets his mind to. He is a kind, thoughtful, outgoing 12 year old. Elaine says he is a carbon copy of his dad, Chris. In my estimation, it doesn't get much better than that. His dad is a wonderful, godly man. Mark is following suite.
Matthew...ah precious Matthew. We have been working together on his reading for the past couple of years and he has grown leaps and bounds. I have never known a child more willing to work for something that doesn't come easy to him. Matthew has been such an encouragement to me over these past years. He has worked so hard for me, through his own frustration and tears. Matthew has the most amazing manners. When I introduced him to Sherry, he told her "I am very pleased to meet you." The thing with Matthew is that is just who he is, genuine. At a time when he was so frustrated with reading, I would say to him "We don't have time for the tears, we just have to press on." He would just say "Yes, ma'am." and trudge on like a soldier! And just to brag on him a little more, he made straight A's all year in every subject. Hard little worker bee!
Noah, is the youngest in the Santos clan. He is the most lovable child. My favorite Noah quote is "Miss Sarah, I need a hug!" Noah is so cuddly and loving. He loves unconditionally. Sweet Noah never complains, only focuses on the positive. This is amazing considering that he has had some medical hurdles in his short six years. Noah has eczema and his mom told me the most amazing story. One night on the way home from church, Noah proclaimed that even if God didn't take away his eczema he would still obey Him. If that doesn't warm your heart, well, I don't know what will.
I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with the Santos boys at the soccer fields today. I have to say, I don't think I feel more loved than when I am around those three amazing children!
I only hope that in my life I can have Mark's cheerful, outgoing spirit, Matthew's never quit attitude and genuineness, and Noah's ability to love and obey unconditionally. These three young men have set an amazing example of how a Christian should conduct themselves. God has BIG plans for each one of them and I can't wait to watch it all unveil.
I am blessed to have them all in my life!
4 comments:
Mark, Matthew, and Noah are precious young men. Anyone who has the opportunity to be in their presence is blessed.
Wow! I am surprised my computer keyboard is working with all the water works going on over here!
As a parent, I think I have pretty amazing kids, but it is a contractual agreement between God and myself that I must think that way. However, hearing that they touch other peoples lives is such a blessing.
I remember dedicating each of them to the Lord. I remember studying Hannah and how she cried out over and over to the Lord for a child and when He gave Samuel to her she gave him back. And every year she made Samuel clothes and took them to the temple where she visited him. How proud she must have been as she watched him grow. I know that pride. I am proud of my boys. In spite of my short comings as a mother, God still works in them and through them. And Chris is a wonderful father but I tend to worry about them more.
Yet, just as Hannah took pride in the young man that Samuel was becoming she could not take all the credit. Eli helped mold him into a man who sought God's voice. And so it is with my boys. God has placed in their lives some amazing people. Because those people choose to be obedient to God's call my boys too will get the opportunity to serve Him in a mighty way. Thank you for being such a person to them.
And know that the love and adoration you feel for them is reciprocated one million times over. It is we who are blessed.
And you are too sweet...as I don't know many people who would consider a day out at the soccer complex a "privilege". ;)
The day that I met these guys, I was so impressed with their manners and their sweet dispositions. They were so nice and well behaved...with plenty of thank yous and pleases. And they are handsome little guys too!!
They are lucky to have you in their life Sarah...I know enough about you to know that you bring out the best in them. And they will never forget those lessons learned from you.
I'm so glad that you have such an amazing family around you Sarah. I've heard you talk about them on more than one occasion and they seem like such an encouragement to your heart.
It's good to see children that are headed in a good direction. So many start out with three strikes against them and you just wonder when they will ever get a break. These three boys have been raised in the ways of the Lord and it is obvious.
Not only are you blessed by them ... I know they are blessed by your God-seeking heart.
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