As I typed the title tears began to fill my eyes. I don’t know how to express in words how happy I am to have arrived at the first birthday of my dear boy. So many people over the last year have told me “when he gets past a year things will get better”. I have clung to that and eagerly anticipated this day. And you were right…things ARE getting better.
One year ago today our world was spun upside down. We were once again, looking at loosing our eleventh child. I get choked up even thinking about that day. When I saw Ty for the first time I knew my life would never be the same. Irregardless of whether he lived or died…this little tiny boy changed his mamma. Ty has hit many physical milestones this year. Milestones that we didn’t know if he would ever reach. I hit many milestones too. Milestones of faith and love. Milestones I never thought I would have to face and didn’t think I could reach. Milestones like learning how to live day in and out with fear. Learning to love someone so much more than you love yourself that your needs are at the bottom of the list. Understanding what the word unconditional means and how to apply it. Realizing a bond that bridges far beyond the boundaries of the uterus and encaptures the heart beyond human comprehension.
I will be grateful for eternity for the precious gift of Ty and we look forward to celebrating the miracle of his life today!
14 responses to “Happy Birthday Baby”
HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY TY!!! We are so proud of you — sending our love.
Angela and Jack
Happy Birthday Ty!
Happy Birthday Ty, congrats to you and your family. I hope this year bring you health, happiness and peace knowing you have the most wonderful family. Have a great day.
Love Johanne
Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Ty!!! What am amazing year it has been! What a miracle you are!
Words can’t express the joy we have knowing that you have this wonderful day to celebrate with a family that loves you way more than THEY can express! You are light and sunshine and hope and beauty wrapped up in the most precious little bundle. You have made the Brinkman family even more beautiful than ever. We are all better for having the opportunity to know and love you. Your parents have grown leaps and bounds by having the gift of Ty in their home. I think they have found even more love than they knew existed though they were sure the resources of love for their children were endless. Tanner has grown up so much, much to your mama’s dismay, but he is becoming such a loving and strong big brother – thanks to you. You have both blessed our hearts so much – as have your parents for sharing your story. How we love you and wish you the happiest birthday ever.
(ps – your card is sitting on my side-table in my living room. 🙂 looks like a progressive birthday for you. 🙂
Happy Birthday Ty! What a year this has been, hey? I have followed most everyday on your year journey from day one. Here’s to another year of love, health, growth and happiness.
Happy Birthday to TY!! What a difference a year can make! Hoping you can eat lots and lots of cake when you get to celebrate your big day/
Happy 1st Birthday to our sweet little guy! I can’t believe a whole year has past sense that scary day. That was the most frightening yet most magnificant day of our lives. You are truly a wonderful display of God’s grace and we are so blessed that you are still a part of our lives. In one year not only did we gain one family member instead we gained 18! All because everyone loves you sooooo much:) All our love always.
doesn’t the NICU seem like just yesterday and a million birthdays ago? much love to this special family and all its members.
TO HEIDI JO. 1. SORRY DONI (USING YOUR SITE TO ANSWER HEIDI JO)
2. I WAS ACTUALLY ASHAMED TO POST WHERE I POSTED. I DID IT IN SUCH A RUSH TO WISH TY A HAPPY BIRTHDAY (I WAS HOPING TO BE FIRST) I MISPLACED MY B’DAY WISHES.
YES, I AM GREEK (THOUGH I HAVE NOT LIVED HERE UNTIL I CAME BACK @ 25, NOW 39) MY FATHER TRAVELED AROUND THE WORLD, AND THE FAMILY FOLLOWED. I HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT THE STATES AS I HAVE HAD AN AMERICAN EDUCATION THROUGH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS. THIS WAS MEANT TO HAPPEN WITH MY HUSBAND(WHO BY THE WAY COMES FROM THE ISLAND OF CRETE)(WE LIVE IN ATHENS. WE CAM OVER FROM 2000-2002. I FELL IN LOVE EVEN MORE WITH EVERYTHING THAT IS AMERICAN. I FOUND OUT ABOUT TY ALMOST FROM DAY ONE. I FOUND OUT ABOUT HIM FROM PARENTSPLACE MAY EC 2004. MY SON JOHN WAS BORN ON THE 15TH OF MAY 2004. DONI’S CHARISMA, STRENGTH, WELL ROUNDED PERSONALITY, “EXTROVERTISM”, THE LOVE THAT FILTERS FROM HER WRITINGS, AND HER FOCUS ALL LED ME TO FOLLOW HER STORY.
I LOVE THE WAY YOU TWO (YOU AND DONI) COMMUNICATE, THE WAY YOU TEASE EACH OTHER. YOU GUYS DO NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR FAMILY AS I THINK AMANDA INSINUATED IN HER B’DAY WISHES YOU ARE A NUCLEAR FAMILY OF 18 LOL. THOUGH WITH ALL THOSE FAMILY MEMBERS I’VE LOST TRACK WHO IS A BROTHER/SISTER AND WHO IS AN IN-LAW. WHERE DOES ONE FAMILY BEGIN AND THE OTHER END. I LOVE IT.
SINCE I HAVE BEEN PRIVILEDGED TO TAKE A PEEK OF WHAT IS A PERSONAL SITE I HAVE FELT IT NECESSARY THAT I MAKE MY EXISTANCE KNOWN WITH A NOTE OR TWO OF SOMETHING THAT IS UNKNOWN EG. THE BIRTHDAY SONG. OTHERWISE I TRY TO KEEP SILENT.
P.S. I WOULD LIKE TO ENTER YOU WEIGHT LOSS FORUM. I HAVE (ON NEW YEARS EVE) LOST A BET WITH MY HUBBY. NOW I HAVE TO LOSE AT LEAST 40 LBS.(THOUGH 60 WOULD BE BETTER) I WEIGH DOUBLE MY IDEAL WEIGHT. I HOPE YOU GUYS WILL GIVE ME THE ENCOURAGEMENT THE WAY DONI HAS STRENGTHENED MY FAITH IN GOD.
Happy birthday my sweet great nephew Ty.I pray the Lord will continue to bless you and Tanner, mom and dad thru your second year. Love to you all.
Aunt Barbara
Happy Birthday buddy!! You have come along ways. Mommy said she is still going to let us play, but we both have to let the winter go by, so we don’t get sick………..”oh those crazy moms”
Happy Birthday Ty!
Where does the time go?
1 year ago I was reading about this miracle baby online, and a year later am celebrating his birthday, and my six month old’s half birthday 🙂
Isn’t is amazing how such a tiny person can change your life forever?
God Bless!
Happy Birthday TY!! God is great. He knew that you and your beautiful family were able to deal with the health trials of your little guy. You are so blessed and I praise the Lord that Ty stays healthy and it will be a smooth sailing after this hard year!
Christy Beyer