Black & White Wednesday - Gabe

Once again it's Black & White Wednesday over at The Long Road to China. Join in and not only showcase your own favorite black and whites, but get a chance to check out so many other amazing photos!

Since I have already shared photos of three of my four children in previous Black & White Wednesday posts, it's now Gabe's turn.

Gabe is my oldest child. He is six, but is quick to point out that he is almost seven {his birthday is next month!} Gabe is growing leaps and bounds, something that this photo reminded me of. Gone from Gabe is every trace of my baby and toddler. He's a young man now. Almost seven as you recall ;-)

But it is not gone from this mom's memory. I remember holding my first born in my arms like it was yesterday. And as I shared these memories with Gabe yesterday, I got a big, "Oh, mom!" Gabe gets a kick of 'making fun' of my sensitivity, laughing at me when I cry during movies, or tear up while reminiscing over my baby growing up.

But Gabe doesn't fool me...his big heart is evident every time he prays for kids who don't have families, and tears fill his eyes just thinking about being in their shoes. His big heart cries out every time he talks about longing for all of his friends to know and love Jesus the way he does. His big heart is there. You just have to look a little harder, past the boy trying to grow up so fast, and into the little boy who still asks to cuddle with mom.

Cherish every day, because before you know it, they are turning seven in a month and won't let you forget it...
{as always, click on the photo to view it larger}


And just when I'm relishing in Gabe's sweet & tender side, he reminds me that he's at the same time, very silly too...