The Saturday following Mateo's birthday, we threw a huge 1st Birthday party for him. We rented a shelter at one of the local parks and invited EVERYONE that had been so supportive of us and Mateo while he went through the rough spots. People who bowed in prayer regularly for us. People who sent cards and meals and thoughts and wishes our way. People who visited at the hospital and sat with us through Mateo's surgery. People who were fundamental in his medical care, therapies and development. People who just gave us a shoulder to lean on and cry on. It was more of a 'thank you' to these people than a birthday party for Mateo. We just wanted to celebrate with these people and show them that all their love and care and concern hadn't been in vain. Through all of this, Mel and I grew so much....in our faith as Christians, as friends, in our marriage...and we couldn't have made it through everything without their love and support.
The party was so much fun. We rented a bouncy palace for the kids and ordered a full-sheet cake with jungle animals on it. The monkey represented Mateo, so it had a little red heart drawn on him. One of our friends organized games for everyone and we had lots of food. A lot of people came to celebrate with us. It was a happy day. Mateo, of course, didn't know what to think of everything at first, but he warmed up after a few minutes. There were a lot of smiles, a lot of laughing. I wished my parents could have made it down for the party. They would have really enjoyed it. Mateo was exhausted afterwards, but it was a great day. One that I know I will not soon forget.
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