My sister Luli made me aunt when I was just 10 years old! Nine months later Monica had her first son Joshua. Now, years later, I have four nephews and one niece!! All five of them are precious and unique, and I am crazy about them. Even though my oldest nephew is Jordan, today is Joshua's birthday, so I will write about him first in honor of his special day.
Joshua is a darling. He is gentle and sensitive, obedient, responsible and respectful. Joshua never went through a "I'm too cool for you" stage, and he has always been easy and open to talk to. He loves to laugh and has an optimistic and cheerful personality. From a young age, Joshua developed a sensitive and caring nature. He is eager to comfort and encourage anyone he senses or knows is down. He also rarely says a negative word, nor is he much of a complainer like a lot of other kids. When Josh gets mad, he becomes really quiet and frustrated, but he usually won't snitch on anyone. He forgives quickly and gets over it fast. Joshua is so sweet, he gives the nicest compliments that just make you melt. Whatever girl he chooses will be so lucky, but I pray a girl never breaks his heart, because I suspect he is quite the romantic. Watch out girls, if you mess with my Joshie, his aunt (me) will, in the words of Madea, "shank you!!" LOL! Joshua will eat mostly whatever you cook for him and is so grateful, showering the chef with comments of how delicious and scrumptious the meal was. It makes you just wanna do anything for him. Being the eldest of two, Josh is a helper and very cooperative, even when he doesn't feel like it. Parents usually give their older child more responsibilities then their younger siblings and also expect more from them, Joshua handles this well. Having a little brother that is 6 years younger then him, Josh is so patient, even though Jesse can drive him nuts sometimes. He is also such a good example to his brother and peers. Joshua will be graduating high school this year, and he has never gotten into drugs, alcohol, or smoking. I am so proud of him. He goes to a public school, but he has always chosen the right friends and has kept himself away from the wrong crowd. I give parents large credit for the way they raise their children, but the child plays the major role and ultimately makes his own decisions.
Joshua possesses a self-confidence that is rare in teenagers. He has always been sure of who he is and has never cared much for what people think about him. He has had his share of kids being downright mean to him, making fun of and picking on him, and hurting his feelings, but Joshua never let that get him down. He constantly sees and speaks of his bright future, all the conquest he will make, and how great his life is gonna be. Even as I write this, I find myself learning from him. He also inherited his dad's knack for handling money, and since he was a wee thing, he has saved and managed his allowance money better than some adults budget their incomes! Many times I've heard his cousins, friends, and even his mom ask to borrow money from him!! How funny, but how admirable is that! He also is like his father in that he is naturally good at sports and is competitive. When he and his dad are on the same team, no one wants to play against them. It's kind of annoying!
I can't say enough how proud I am of him, the way he spends time reading his Bible and writing his profound thoughts in his devotional journal, how he doesn't settle for anything less than what he believes in, and how he wants and strives to make a difference in his generation. Joshua, I am so blessed by you and the maturity level you have acquired so early in life. I believe in you and I know, though life can be checkered with failed attempts and disappointments, you are going to excel at it! Your story is just beginning to be written, and I am so excited and looking forward to witnessing all your great feats. You have many adventures ahead of you; and though transitioning into adulthood can be scary, you have the tools, the love of family and friends, and all the faith in the world to face challenges and difficulties with the certainty that you can overcome any obstacle that crosses your way. I love you and am here for you, no matter where in the world I am. Happy Birthday hunny bunny!
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