His Name is Noah

It's been a while since someone made me cry. Not by their actions but just by being who they are. Tonight, Noah made me cry. I've had the pleasure of spending the last couple of Tuesday nights with him for a very brief snippets of time; a car ride from his "school" to his home. 

Tonight we talked about his life as a high schooler, and all he's learned in life over the last year. If we were giving away awards to kids that had the crappiest hand dealt to them last year, he might win. In fact, he'd give some adults a run for their money. In the midst of all that has happened to him, he shared with me tonight, he's learned so much. A 15yr old with the wisdom of a 50yr old. 

I love his parents, and I wish I could say that Noah is who he is because of them and in part he is, but I think this most of all, Noah is exactly who God created him to be. For some of us it takes well in to adulthood to figure out who we are. Noah figured it out early and has embraced it.

Tonight he voiced his concerns for friends he is no longer in touch with and his hopes for their futures. He talked about his new friends and the joy they've brought to his life. He stressed the importance of having people in your life and the depression that comes with isolation. He talked about the future and all that it holds for him. 

He is the young man parents are proud of. He's the young man that Mother's are happy to have their little boys emulate. He is the young man that a Father will delight that their daughter has chosen him. He is a bright shining star. 

I love this kid. I love him as if he were my own. I wish you all could know this kid. 

His name is Noah.