Happy 19th birthday, Samuel Ayomide
My precious and beautiful baby boy, tomorrow marks the beginning of the last leg of your teen years, and my heart is overflowing with joy, gratitude, and excitement. When I look at you, I see strength, resilience, and a quiet brilliance that humbles me. I stand in that God chose to walk beside you, to witness your journey, and to love you through every season of your life.
You have walked a journey that hasn’t always been easy. Autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, and many other challenges that many would never fully understand have tried to stand in your way. Yet you rise, again and again, with grace and determination that amazes me.
There were moments I walked with you in fear, moments I prayed through tears, moments I fought for you in tears and anger, moments I wondered what your future would look like. All these moments still play out sometimes, but now they look different because I have seen what you have overcome, and I am filled with hope. Through you, God has shown me that He is a restorer, a healer, a comforter, and a promise keeper.
“And I will restore to you the years the locusts have eaten”
This verse is your story. It’s your season of restoration. God has restored dreams I once feared were impossible or slipping away. He has restored your strength, hope, confidence, and Joy. And he has restored my soul through your life, your many victories, and your strength.
This year, seeing you attend college is a huge testimony. A journey that once felt distant and at times unachievable is now your lived reality, and I thank God every single day.
But one of the moments that still brings tears to my eyes is watching you navigate your way to and from school with growing confidence. Something so simple for others, yet so meaningful and powerful for us. You don’t know how proud I am each time I see you take another step towards independence. It’s a miracle in motion.
I am proud of your efforts
I am proud of how you try
I am proud of how you take care of and advocate for others
I am proud of the big brother you are
I am proud of the son you are
And I am deeply proud of the man you are becoming before my eyes
As you run the final stretch of your teen years, stepping boldly into your 20s, I cover all that matters to you with the grace and blessing of God:
May the blessing of God surround you
May His favour chase you down, rest on you, and open unimaginable doors for you
May He place the right people around you, protect you from every harm, and guide you with His gentle hands.
May you walk in greatness, purpose, and divine victory all the days of your life
You are my miracle, my anchor, my answered prayer, my peace, and my reminder that God writes the most beautiful stories from the most unexpected places.
I love you, Ayomide, beyond words
Happy 19th birthday, my love
Happy Birthday Samuel and many blessings for the year ahead.