Life's "Firsts" | April 2026

April 21, 2026

Hello Friends,

It’s 2026! For Rob, Samuel and I, it is the mark of another one of Samuel’s “firsts.” I remember when he was born. I was so amazed and delighted every time Samuel did his “first” thing … his first smile, his first laugh, his first word, his first step, his first haircut. I was so keenly aware of all of his ‘firsts’ … many of those moments are forever etched in my mind and in my heart - it was wondrous! The first time he took his first step and the first time he laughed, I cried both times out of sheer wonder and gratitude. I LOVED every minute of those first moments and watching him experience life through his lens. Seems silly, I know, but those early years felt like I was growing up with him.

Everything Samuel did brought me so much joy. I, literally, took it ALL in. I remember wondering why I never viewed life as so miraculous as when Samuel was born and when I had the incredible privilege of being a stay at home mom the first few years of his life.

Now, here we are, 18 years later and I can’t believe that I get to experience even more ‘firsts’ with my son. Watching him prepare to go off to college, I am in awe. There are many, many things that Rob and I could have done and can do better in our marriage, however, raising Samuel to know the Lord has been our consistent hope and we never lost sight of that. Rob has been an incredible father to our son. Granted, I don’t have any true role models to compare him to, I just get to witness their interaction every day. Not having a Dad growing up I often daydreamed what it would be like (I would most definitely have been a Daddy’s girl). ;-) How Rob engages with Samuel is so sweet to behold. They are best friends in so many ways. I’m beyond grateful for the time, attention and energy Rob has invested in Samuel’s upbringing. I think I take for granted what a great young man Samuel has become.

As he prepares to head off to college, I am genuinely excited for him and proud of who he’s become. God has blessed us with an old soul - our son loves so many different genres of music, especially old school, he’s musically talented - loves to riff and make his own music and be part of the worship team at school. He’s passionate about running - oftentimes training by himself running over 50 miles per week! He enjoys writing and loves reading and studying God’s Word. Whenever an opportunity presents itself, he invites people, young & old to join us at church! He has a heart for people, especially those marginalized and under-resourced.

My boy - the one who first made me a Mama. I’m forever grateful. You are God’s handiwork and I have been humbled and amazed to watch him grow, learn, love and experience life. Being his Mom has truly been my greatest joy and certainly my highest calling in life.

Seeing him off to college will be another first. Although I know it will be tough (especially for me), I trust that God’s got him!

From that very first laugh to this first big step into the world, it has been the honor of a lifetime to watch Samuel grow. While the house might feel a little quieter when he leaves, our hearts have never been fuller. Here is to a year of new adventures for Samuel, and a few new 'firsts' for Rob and me, too.

With much love,

Rica