They often say being a mother is the greatest gift in the world.  There is something so special about your first born and today mine turns 20.  He is one incredible young man.

HE'S A MIRACLE BABY THAT'S FOR SURE

ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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My entire life changed 20 years ago on this day.  Absolutely not planned and 12 weeks early, Parker Kennedy Freels, made his triumphant entry into this world.  A head full of dark fuzzy brown hair and dark skin and the most beautiful blue/green eyes I had ever seen.  I instantly felt real and true love for the first time the day I met him.  I wish I could say I got to hold him that day but I was only allowed to stare at him through an incubator.

While most mothers on the maternity floor were holding their precious babies and enjoying time with families my life was being ripped apart as the nurses rushed my baby out the door and off to St. Mary's in Evansville not knowing if he would even live.  I lay my first night as a mother in a lonely hospital room alone praying my baby would make it.  It would be three weeks before I would even get to hold my boy in my arms.

Three months later and many ups and downs, we walked out of the NICU at St. Mary's with our boy and life began.  My momma always told me he'll grow up fast cherish every single moment.  I never knew how right she would be.

Today my boy turns 20 years old and I'm all in my feels.  As a mother of five I have learned all my children are each very different in personality.  Parker is your typical oldest child.  He's responsible, structured, and very serious most of the time but he is so much more than that and he deserves to know.

20 WONDERFUL THINGS MY SON NEEDS TO KNOW ON HIS 2OTH BIRTHDAY

MUSTARD SEED PHOTOGRAPHY
MUSTARD SEED PHOTOGRAPHY
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  • I love that you are always and I mean always about family.  You love your family to a fault.  While many kids your age are constantly worried about their friends you make it a point to be present.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • You have never cared what other people thought.  You picked your path and then you paved it.  I have watched so many high school students want to fit in with the "cool" kids but you were content just being you.
  • You set your priorities and you're living a life you love.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • You're someone your brothers and sister can look up to.  You work hard and don't ask for anything from us.  You never complain (ok sometimes but not very often) and you just get things done.  As a parent, it makes me proud.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • You're an overcomer.  There are many things in life that could have taken you down but you were more than a conqueror.  You model such a quiet strength.
  • You don't need to be in the spotlight.  You are completely ok with letting others shine and helping them do what they do best.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • You love family vacations!  I love most that you get just as excited as a young adult about hitting the road and heading out of town as you did when you were little.
  • You're kind to others and not just those who can help you but all people.
  • You show up for church even though you don't have to.
  • You have the most wonderful laugh.  It's pure magic and it's contagious.
  • I love that you aren't afraid to hug me in public like some kids with their parents.  You just scoop me up and squeeze me tight.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • You're dependable.  Like the day Joe couldn't make it to dad's day at school and your little sister was heartbroken.  You stepped in and took one for the team.  She still talks about that to this day and when she hears you pull into our driveway she lights up.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • You silently serve others.  There has never been a time when one of us needed you that you weren't right there.  Others have no idea but I get to witness it.  All the days you drove to help your Papaw as his Alzheimer's grew worse.  You drove and took your time to help Mamaw with the barn and the horses without ever complaining.
  • You love and respect your elders.
  • You have an old soul.  As if you truly lived another life and gained all this worldly wisdom some of us have yet to acquire.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • You're a goofball at heart.
  • You're determined and strong-willed.  You decide you want something and then you go after it.
ANGEL WELSH
ANGEL WELSH
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  • Your daily texts just to say "I Love You Mom" or "Have a good day" mean more to me than all the money or riches in the whole world.
  • You are more than enough and far better than anything I could have ever dreamed of in my firstborn child.  You are a blessing.
  • You are purposed for greatness.  It is a greatness you may not recognize but it is something so amazing and incredible and I pray as your mother you seek the Lord's will for your life.  He has set a great calling on you.

Parker,

Your life is an absolute gift to all who know you.  Never doubt who you are and keep pressing on into the future.  You're just getting started and have your whole life ahead of you.  Wear a helmet, drive safely, save some of your paychecks, never spend more than you make, and remember you can ALWAYS come back home.

LOVE,

Mom

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