When I was a little girl I dreamed of two things:
a boatload of kids
and
a son from Asia.
I could totally picture that little guy in red Osh Kosh overalls.
I was probably only about 8 when I started dreaming of him.
I remember walking in Buffalo at about that age and seeing an Asian man.
Back in those days one didn’t see many Asian people in Buffalo.
My mom and I were walking arm in arm and suddenly an Asian man walked
out of a huge department store. I remember nearly tugging my mom’s arm
off with excitement and whispering,
“Oh mom! Isn’t he handsome? Look at him!! Isn’t he just so handsome??”
I had already been dreaming of an Asian son,
and over the years I never forgot that glimpse of that handsome Asian man.
Years later we were in the midst of a Korean adoption when I found out I was
pregnant with Abigail. Not only were we dumbfounded that I was pregnant,
we were required to put the adoption on hold until I had had the baby.
After Abigail was born, we lifted the hold and went back to fulfilling my lifelong dream. And twenty-five years ago today {literally}, Dw, Abigail and I went to a store in Buffalo, NY to buy our first video camera. Video cameras were kind of a new thing and we decided it was a good day to go buy one. We were anticipating being matched with our treasure from K*rea and when it came time to pick that treasure up from JFK airport, we wanted to be able to record the event.
I know what I was doing 25 years ago today, because when we were matched I went back in my diary and saw that we had bought the video camera and gone out for supper to celebrate our baby’s upcoming arrival!!!
Little did we know that during those moments of celebration, on the other side of the world,
the very treasure we were celebrating was being born!!
As we waited and waited and waited, we would call the agency to see if there was any movement on the waiting list. Every week {it seemed} that we were told the same thing.
No movement.
Then one day Dw called from his law office and said, “I just have to call right now! I know there’s probably nothing, but I can’t stand it.” I remember Abigail and I were cleaning the fridge. Abigail was about to turn 3. She was standing on a chair, with the fridge door open, helping me take things out.
A few minutes later, the phone rang again. It was Dw. With giddiness in his voice he said, “I called Linny! They said there has been no movement on the list. We were about to hang up and then she said, ‘Actually there is a little boy who had a rough start….we are looking for a home for him….would you consider him?’ She said his rough start means this: etc, etc, etc…..what do you think?”
Tears filled my eyes!! My heart was overflowing!! And I was giddy beyond belief. The ‘rough start’ Tyler had had was not a concern to us. It involved medical complications and possibilities of difficulties in the days ahead. We didn’t care. We just knew it – Tyler Dwight was ours!
I turned to Abi and told her that the agency had a baby boy that needed a family.
He’d had a rough start. What did she think?
I will never forget her little girl quip, without hesitation:
“That’s our boy!”
Five and a half weeks later he was in our arms!!!
As Tyler grew, his love for this great country of America grew as well.
When he was about 8 years old Tyler said to me,
“Mom, someday I want to be in the milit*ry.
It will be my way of saying ‘thank you’ to the United States
for letting me come home to you.”
A man, true to his word, he fulfilled his thank you.
Today he is currently depl*yed with the United States Speci*l Forc*s.
He is a leader of leaders.
He serves his men.
He has been awarded special honors for his heroism.
And yes, we are mighty proud of him!
We will never, ever stop thanking the Lord for allowing us the privilege of being Tyler’s parents.
He is ours through and through and we miss him terribly,
praying and even sometimes praying through sleepless nights and always,
always, always longing for that long-awaited phone call!
I just had to put a few pictures in from when we were in San Francisco a few months ago to celebrate Christmas before Tyler depl*yed. I love this picture of him. I can remember him laughing and what he was saying…he is truly the funniest person I’ve ever met.
He and Abi are really close. When he is stateside they talk all the time….
Playing with his iphone…
he and Dw have a special bond….
with his beautiful wife Sarah…
Would you, please, join me in wishing our treasured son
and our personal American Hero
a very Happy 25th Birthday today?
And would you please join me in praying for complete safety and
comfort from loneliness of all the heroes currently depl*yed
{and their families waiting behind} this Christmas season?
Absolutely!!!! Happy Birthday Tyler – and many thanks for serving our country!!!!
Happy Birthday, Tyler! Thank you for your sacrifice to keep us safe.
Happy Birthday, Tyler! During this holiday season, we send our prayers and thanks for your service. My husband (former 1/75) and I know all too well the loneliness that can be felt during the holidays when you are apart. Hope you and the boys find a way to celebrate together – for although they are not your immediate family, they are your brothers. Praying for continued protection and safety for you and your men. And praying for Sarah and your parents that they would be filled with peace this week even though they will be missing you terribly.
ugh. why do you always make me cry at work? praying for tyler to return quickly and safely!
Happy Birthday Tyler!!!! Praying for you and your Sarah this Christmas…..
Thanks to you for all you do – praying you will return home safely!!!
Happy Birthday Tyler. The yellow ribbon is still tied round my bedside light so its the last thing I see before bed and the first thing I see when I wake. A constant reminder to pray for you all at this time. Always in my prayers, you, your family and Sarah. Keep safe and hope that you do get time to have little celebration. xxx
Happy Birthday, Tyler! 🙂
Been praying for Tyler, Sarah, and your whole family, Linny.
Linny,
I am bawling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thank you for sharing!!! Happy Birthday Tyler! Many Prayers!!!!!!!!!!
tami
Happy Birthday, Tyler!
Happy Birthday Tyler! May the Lord protect you and those with whom you serve! Have a peaceful and Merry Christmas:).
Happy bday, Tyler! You're an awesome person to defend the freedoms this country enjoys! Praying for you!
Happy Birthday, Tyler! What a special family God placed you in, and what a special blessing your are to your family and to your country.
My son is home from the Navy this Christmas, but I know there will be Christmases when we celebrate without him. I hope there will be others praying for us, as I now pray for you and your family.
Blessings from south Georgia,
Happy Birthday, Tyler! My husband also spent his 25th birthday deployed (among other birthdays and holidays). Big hugs and prayers to you and your lovely wife as well as your loving family!
Happy Birthday Tyler!! Thank you for your service and all who serve with you. We pray for you by name daily! Love to you and your family,
The Wright family in Montana
Happy 25th Birthday Tyler!!! Thank you for serving our country and keeping our freedom!
Linny,
It's been almost a month since I had time to get on your blog. We are home 1 week with our 2 y/o daughter from China – our 4th child, 1st adoption. How precious to read of your 25 y/o treasure today! Happy Birthday, Tyler!! God grant you safety. Hide him in the cleft of the Rock, Jesus!
Love ya,
Maureen
(PA)
Happy Birthday Tyler! May this year be filled with all of the blessings of Christ Jesus!
Happy Birthday Ty! And because I know you will read this, I fully expect a huge hug from you the next time you are home. We miss you tons, and are so grateful for your service to our country. Give your sweet Sarah a kiss for me the next time you see her – you two are a match made in Heaven and a blessing to us. Love you!
Tyler,
What a wonderful gift you are to your family and to this nation. God Bless you and keep you safe. Sending up prayers for safety and for some special treats on this day of celebration.
Happiest of birthdays, Tyler!!! Thank you for your selfless dedication in serving this country!
Happy Birthday Tyler, It is an amazing thing when a man has a call on his life from the time he is very young, as you did…What a heart you have to want to serve this country to say "Thank You" for being able to come here. That moves heart with great emotion. I am praying for your testimony and your safety as you serve and defend this country…This will be our second Christmas without our son home, he is Security Forces in the AF…we miss him so much and can't wait to see him again just as your family is waiting for you!!! May the Christ of Christmas be your constant companion and your rearguard of protection!!! Bless you Tyler and Peace for your heart Linny and family!!
Sandy B
Happy Birthday Tyler! May God protect you and keep you safe.
Happy 25th B-day, Tyler! Thank you for your service to protect the American people. God bless you!
Oh, you've got me tearing up…Happy Birthday, Tyler! Thank you so much for your service to our country. I'm praying for your safe return.
Happy Birthday Tyler! God brings you to mind and I think to pray for you. Thank you for all you do.
Happy Birthday, Tyler!! Praying for the safety and protection of your unit, those you lead, and those you love back home.
Jill, who also dreamt for years of a precious son from Asia…home almost 2 years now!
Happy Birthday Tyler! You share a birthday with my little China son. It is one special day. Thank you for serving our country. You are one amazing man.
Love,
The Thomas Family
Happy birthday, Tyler! Thank you for your service! My husband was in the army so I know a teeny tiny bit of the sacrifices you have made. Praying for the safety of you and our other service men and women.
Happy Birthday Tyler and Thank you!!!
Linny, I love your stories!
Tyler, Happy Birthday! Thank you so much for your service. Praying you home! Again!!!
Happy Birthday, Tyler!! Thank you for your service! Praying the Lord keeps his hand of protection over you and brings you home safe and sound soon!!
Linny, this will be our first Christmas without our Soldier at home, so I'm dreading it a little already. But I do thank God for Skype, texting, and Maj*c Jack! LOL
Sending you big ol' Alabama hugs from one proud Army mom to another!
Love and blessings,
Monica
Happy Happy Birthday Tyler (my birthday is the same as yours – but I am much older!) Thank you for serving our country.
Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank you to you, your wife, and your sweet family for the sacrifices you make everyday to protect and serve our great nation. We appreciate you and we pray for your strength and your safety. Merry Christmas!
happy birthday, Tyler 🙂
YHWH (the LORD) is your Rock, He will never leave you or forsake you.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
(Heb 13:5,6)
Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank You So Very Much for the sacrifice you make so we can live in a free country! I am so glad that God placed you in your family for such a time as this! Janet
Happiest Birthday Tyler!
Care for a belated celebration when you get home? Laser Tag in Federal Way? 🙂
Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday, Tyler!! Thank you for your sacrifice to serve our country!!
Happy birthday, Tyler!! My Korean-born boys are age 9, 8, and 5 1/2 (plus a girl age 6). I love looking at your photo and wondering what my boys will look like when they are grown!! Enjoy your special day and thanks for serving our country and keeping us safe!
Carrie T. – mom to 4 from Korea
Happy Birthday Tyler!! And thank you for your service to our country! I pray that our daughters grow up to be such patriots!
Elissa
Mom to Lily, 4 from China (found on your 21st bday!)
and Hope, 12, waiting in China
Happy Birthday, Tyler! Be safe and come home soon! Thank you for serving your country!
Hugs,
Robin
Happy Birthday to your brave boy!
And what a gorgeous Momma in those old pics!!!
Happy Birthday Tyler. Thank you for serving our country!
Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank you for protecting us.
Happy birthday Tyler, thank you for serving our country and the sacrifices you've made. God bless you
Yay! Happy Birthday Tyler! I'm telling you those Korean boys are MIGHTY handsome!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TYLER!! And, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!
Happy Birthday, Tyler! "Thank you" always seems so trite to say to someone serving our country. They are such small words, but I speak them with heartfeltness. May you be richly blessed for the sacrifices you make on a daily basis. May you be surrounded with His protection. May you be home quickly to your lovely wife and family. They are so very proud of you!
Oh, my Linny, what a blessing this young man, your precious son, Tyler is! I am crying tears of joy!
Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank You for your service to our Country, and thank you for being you! We are so proud of you too!
God Bless,
(((HUG)))
The Archers in MN
Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank you for your service and for your sacrifices for our Country!
Happy Birthday Tyler. Thank you for your service to your country. I've prayed for you much and will continue until you are safely back home.
Happy Happy Birthday Handsome Tyler. Thanks you for serving this country – your country and my country. You are a brave hero!!! What a blessing it is to be able to "know" you.
God Bless You and God Bless America
The entire Kopicki Family
Happy Birthday to your son! Thank him for me for his service to our country! Merry Christmas.
Happy Birthday, Tyler. Thank you for serving our country and protecting us. You have a wonderful family waiting for you to come home. Merry Christmas to you and Sarah.
Happy Birthday, Tyler…You are a man of your word and that makes the Lord smile….Oh that more young men were as committed to something as you are….Mostly to be a man of God, having honor and integrity and commitment.
God Bless you and May He Shine the Light of Jesus through you so others will know Him and follow Him as you do.
Love ya,
Sandy in NC
Happy Birthday Tyler! As a military wife and mom, thank you so much for your sacrifice and service. Lifting you up to the Lord, along with those who love you dearly– praying for the day when you are gathered in one another's arms again!
Birthday blessings, and Merry Christmas, too!
Tina, on behalf of the Winder Family
Happy, happy birthday, Tyler! Thank you so very much for all you do – your service and sacrifice for our country. We are so proud and grateful for you and all those who serve with you!
Happy Birthday Tyler…and thank you for all you do….
Happy Birthday Tyler!
May the Lord Bless and Keep You
May the Lord Shine His Face On You
May the Lord Grant You His Peace
Today, Tomorrow & Always.
Tyler: thank you, & all your fellow military personnel for all you do for my family & my country.
With sincerity & love,
Barbara Lyman 🙂
Marysville, WA
tyler…happiest of birthdays! prayers coming right now for a wonderful year for your family & safety for all of you serving. thank you.
Tyler, thank you so much for sacraficing for freedoms that are so freely ours that I take them for granted all too often. You are amazing. Tyler, I am a mom of a little boy that I waited 11 years for. My son will never ever know the joy that it is to be his mom. He fills an incredible place in my heart. You do the same for your mom. You are such a special man. Sarah you too are amazing. I am just sure I couldn't fill your shoes. Your sacrafice is great as well.
Tyler I am hoping that you had an amazing day today and it was filled with blessings from above. I will not forget to pray for you each and everyday and especially for you and Sarah throughout these holidays.
Thank you so very very much!!!
I'm imagining Sarah seeing him for the first time and thinking "wow, look at that handsome Asian man!"
Happy Birthday Tyler! Thank you for being our hero. <3
Birthday blessings, Tyler. We are so grateful for your service to our country. Praying for your safety. Comfort and joy to you this Christmas!
Happy Belated Birthday!!!
Happy birthday, Tyler! And thank you for your service to our country!
Happy Birthday Tyler! What a blessing he is to his Momma and Daddy!What a blessing he is to our country! Thank you Tyler for serving!
Praying for his safety and for all the soldiers!
Praying for the families back home that are missing them.
Wonderful tribute to your son and one of America's finest. Thanks, Tyler, for your service!
Happy Birthday, Tyler! Thank you for your service to our country. I am praying for your safety and your family's peace while you are away.
ps:my 3 little guys are from Korea, too:)
happy, Happy Birthday from all of us to you… Happy Happy birthday, may all yours wishes come true…. Thank you so much for being a role model to our adopted boys. Jenne in Or Mom to 7
Happy birthday, Tyler! Thank you for your sacrifice in serving our country. We pray for your safety as you serve and for you and your family while you are apart during the holidays.
What a gift you are to all who know you!
Much Love,
Kathie and family in Georgia
Wonderful post! I appreciate the attention you bring to those who are serving. My husband is currently depl*oyed to Afghanis*tan and this Christmas season without him is so very tough!
~Kylea
Happy Birthday Tyler! And THANK YOU for your service! My son just finished the initial training for SF–known as two weeks in h*ll–perhaps someday you will serve side by side 🙂
Bless you!
Ann
Happy Birthday, Tyler! What a blessing you are to all of us – even those of us who don't know you personally. Your courage and commitment are inspiring. May God bless you and keep you in all you do for Him.