Happy 21st Birthday Callahan Leigh Payne! My big ole' hunk of love weighing in at 9 pounds 13 ounces!! You may not remember this, but you were born on my Mamaw's 80th birthday! She was here for us to celebrate, and although we didn't get to go to the party; I remember the look of joy and excitement on her face when we realized you were coming on her day. From then on, she would say that was the best birthday and best birthday gift ever! When I thought about writing this post, because we all know that birthday posts are a tradition for me, I truly was overwhelmed with gratitude....like couldn't catch my breath and keep my composure when I think about you. I think, anyone who knows you, would understand this feeling too. I honestly cannot put into words the goodness you have brought to our family. We all sorta joke, even though we all sorta know it's true, that you're the favorite Payne; and we wouldn't have it any other way. As a baby, you were tow headed with the brightest eyes and a constant smile on your face. You didn't learn to talk until you were about 3 1/2, but you hummed songs with the biggest grin and giggle all day long. Once there was a diagnosis, we knew we had a lot of work ahead; and it wasn't going to be easy. I remember sitting in the parking lot on the phone with your dad sobbing my eyes out when they told me, you were such a little guy; and I let fear take over. But your dad, being the Superman and the man who holds nothing back, said...."Well now we know 'he's not just a brat' and what's going on, and we can get to work to help him." He really said that "brat" part, because he doesn't really mince words. 🤣 And honestly I was relieved that we had an “answer”.
There were quite a few challenges and a lot of tears when you were a little tyke. But as you worked so hard and grew so much, we all realized they were lessons and experiences on inclusion, acceptance, but mainly on not taking the little things for granted. Yes, some of the tears were out of frustration and grief; but as you've grown so many tears have been out of joy and pride. WOW...we are proud of you! You have worked so hard!
Even though we did have some challenging times, many of the struggles were due to the way other people treated you or reacted to you. It was very eye opening and truly heart breaking to see how you were treated, just because you didn't meet their expectations. On the other side of that, many of our struggles ended in great victories. Some may consider them small, but we (and all those who know you) know nothing you do is a small victory. And although we have dealt with some folks who have not always been kind, I can assure you that you have built a community of people who adore every single part of you and would not change a thing about you. They cheer you on like you were their own son. That in itself is worth every challenge, because you have taught so many people what unconditional, inclusive, victorious love looks like. We have met some of the greatest, most compassionate people in the world because of you. And You have taught so many that it is okay and actually pretty great not to be like everyone else. You have taught so many what acceptance looks like. You have taught so many that success looks different for all of us. You have taught so many about God's love, because you are the only person I know who loves others the closest to the way God loves us...no judgment, no dishonesty, just pure sweet sacrificial love. You see us through the eyes of our Savior, and I am so lucky; because I get a front row seat! I adore you my Lone Ranger! Happy 21!! You are going to have the best birthday ever...even in quarantine! Here's to being the best butterfly ever and helping others to want to give up being a caterpillar.
There were quite a few challenges and a lot of tears when you were a little tyke. But as you worked so hard and grew so much, we all realized they were lessons and experiences on inclusion, acceptance, but mainly on not taking the little things for granted. Yes, some of the tears were out of frustration and grief; but as you've grown so many tears have been out of joy and pride. WOW...we are proud of you! You have worked so hard!
Even though we did have some challenging times, many of the struggles were due to the way other people treated you or reacted to you. It was very eye opening and truly heart breaking to see how you were treated, just because you didn't meet their expectations. On the other side of that, many of our struggles ended in great victories. Some may consider them small, but we (and all those who know you) know nothing you do is a small victory. And although we have dealt with some folks who have not always been kind, I can assure you that you have built a community of people who adore every single part of you and would not change a thing about you. They cheer you on like you were their own son. That in itself is worth every challenge, because you have taught so many people what unconditional, inclusive, victorious love looks like. We have met some of the greatest, most compassionate people in the world because of you. And You have taught so many that it is okay and actually pretty great not to be like everyone else. You have taught so many what acceptance looks like. You have taught so many that success looks different for all of us. You have taught so many about God's love, because you are the only person I know who loves others the closest to the way God loves us...no judgment, no dishonesty, just pure sweet sacrificial love. You see us through the eyes of our Savior, and I am so lucky; because I get a front row seat! I adore you my Lone Ranger! Happy 21!! You are going to have the best birthday ever...even in quarantine! Here's to being the best butterfly ever and helping others to want to give up being a caterpillar.
