Happy Birthday, Ira
We woke this morning still riding the high from yesterday. It was a good day to celebrate Ira's 2nd birthday! This afternoon we had people over to commemorate Ira's newest milestone of not just making it to his second birthday but blazing into his next year of life! Our family was honored that so many gave up a beautiful 70 degree Saturday to spend it with Ira.
Ministers aren't known for lacking in words but I truly am at a loss tonight as I reflect upon the past two years and ponder the possibility of many more years with Ira. Being Ira's father has been the hardest thing I've ever done and the most rewarding. It's made me lose my faith and find a whole new, stronger faith. I've wanted to run away and I've wanted to never leave his sight.
Ira, I have failed you in so many ways over the past two years; yet time and again, you welcome me back into your life with a huge smile and slobbery kisses. I can't thank you enough for reminding me of what life is all about - that God's kingdom is made up of people like you and that I need to become like you in order to have a taste of that kingdom. Thank you for coming into my world and demanding that I take notice. I have, my son and because of you, I'm growing in the Lord. Ira, may you have many more years to teach me about God's kingdom. May you have many more years to pester your sister. May you have many more years in which you make your mom cry at the sound of your voice saying "ma!" May you have many more years.
As I kissed Ira goodnight tonight I said to him the usual I love you. But this time I slowed down a bit as I said those words. I wanted him, I needed him to hear each word with clarity so there would be no mistake about my feelings for him. I love Ira. I love him so very much. I'm so glad God created him two years ago today!
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Please, leave a birthday wish/greeting/blessing for Ira in the comments so that we can preserve them for the future. We would greatly appreciate it.
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Ministers aren't known for lacking in words but I truly am at a loss tonight as I reflect upon the past two years and ponder the possibility of many more years with Ira. Being Ira's father has been the hardest thing I've ever done and the most rewarding. It's made me lose my faith and find a whole new, stronger faith. I've wanted to run away and I've wanted to never leave his sight.
Ira, I have failed you in so many ways over the past two years; yet time and again, you welcome me back into your life with a huge smile and slobbery kisses. I can't thank you enough for reminding me of what life is all about - that God's kingdom is made up of people like you and that I need to become like you in order to have a taste of that kingdom. Thank you for coming into my world and demanding that I take notice. I have, my son and because of you, I'm growing in the Lord. Ira, may you have many more years to teach me about God's kingdom. May you have many more years to pester your sister. May you have many more years in which you make your mom cry at the sound of your voice saying "ma!" May you have many more years.
As I kissed Ira goodnight tonight I said to him the usual I love you. But this time I slowed down a bit as I said those words. I wanted him, I needed him to hear each word with clarity so there would be no mistake about my feelings for him. I love Ira. I love him so very much. I'm so glad God created him two years ago today!
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Please, leave a birthday wish/greeting/blessing for Ira in the comments so that we can preserve them for the future. We would greatly appreciate it.
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posted by jch at
9:40 PM
44 Comments:
Happy birthday, Ira! In two years, you've touched more people than most of us do in thirty. In my book, that makes you pretty much the coolest kid on the block. And on your hip Brooklyn block, that's really saying something. Here's to many more way-cool, super-happy birthdays!
Dear Ira,
Happy 2nd birthday! I have prayed for you for two years and am still. You and I both know what it's like to be in the hospital. Here's to celebrating birthdays at home!
Love from Texas...
Love,
Tatum (9 years old)
Although I only know you from your Daddy's blog I want to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Maybe someday we will meet in person. Again Happy Birthday from Arizona.
Howdy, Ira! Happy Birthday from Abilene, Texas...and may God bless you always...
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY,
Ira "I Do Not Know The Meaning Of Failure" Hays!
That's "our" boy!!!
I've never had the privilege of touching your sweet face, but you've sure touched my heart. May God always hold you tightly in the Palm of His Hand.
...singing with much love now...
Happy birthday, dear Ira!
Happy birthday!
...big ending now...
God bless you!!!!
Dear Ira,
Happy birthday sweet boy!! God has answered so many prayers that have been lifted up for you since you were in your mommy's womb. Your journey these past 2 years has had such an amazing impact on us and so many others. We feel so close to you even though we are many miles apart. Your daddy has done a great job keeping us close through the many blogs he has written. You have an amazing mommy, daddy, and big sister who love you so much. May God continue to bless your life with His love, joy, peace and happiness.
"Come let us sing with joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."
Psalm 95:1-2
We love you,
Jake, Abbie, Ellie and Deacon
Happy Birthday Ira Hays! Thank you for letting us be a part of your life and that of your parents over these last two years. You are an amazing little boy and God has already done incredible things in your life. Can't wait to see what else God will do through you. Your parents are amazing even when they think they are not. Rich, rich blessings today and always!!
Marilyn and Ron Holland in Ft. Worth, TEXAS
Dearest Ira Hays, you have filled me with awe. You are strong and courageous. You are sweet and inspiring. You are handsome and precious. You are a part of the Hays family and a part of the kingdom. You are full of light and laughter.
I pray blessing over your head, over your voice, over your heart, over your progress and over your journey.
May you feel surrounded by the love of your family, friends, and this whole blog community as you start your third year of life.
May you find many things new in this next year...
Ira,
About this time last year we celebrated your mom's 31st birthday. Your dad surprised her with a huge party and it was the best birthday I'd ever attended as we genuinely and personally celebrated her life.
This year, it was your turn. The party wasn't as fancy, there were less words and more tears, but a different sense of celebration - a more urgent celebration of the fact that you fought to become 2 years old.
Last year we celebrated your mom for all she had overcome in your first year of life. Today we celebrated all you have overcome in your lifetime. What a remarkable family you have!
xo,
Hilary
P.S. We were also discussing alchol when your dad turned out to be filming us. Sorry about that bud. Just 19 more years.
Happy Birthday Ira ! Thanks to your dad and mom for keeping us all updated as we've prayed for you these last two years. What an amazing boy. I was so thrilled to hear the wonderful news on Friday. I can't wait to see how you will amaze them in this next year. I hope you got to enjoy some special treat on your birthday. Ann
Hey little man. You are a rock star! I'm so happy to be a part of your life. Here's to good times!
Dear Ira,
When I think of you, I think of your mom and dad and sister and I think of this verse:
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14
That's what they have done --waited on God, strong in his power, and taking heart.
What an incredible blessing you are to this world, Ira! How you shine with our Father's love! Keep loving Jesus--and waiting on God. He always acts on behalf of his people.
I look forward to meeting you some day....
Hi Ira,
We are thrilled with your wonderful reports from the doctors. You are a testimony to God's power and many answered prayers. We are also impressed with your new method of locomotion. Go Ira!!! What a great birthday you have given your family. You are in our prayers!
Lots of love, The AZ Farrs
happy, happy birthday, Ira! Hugs and kisses from Fort Worth. MUAH!
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Ira, happy birthday to you!
Now, I wish I could get a big slobbery kiss! You are an amazing little boy. You have touched so many people in just 2 years of life! You inspire me!
Happy Happy Birthday Ira! I was so honored to have the chance to meet you and play with you and Sophia! You are precious! You and your beautiful family are in my prayers. Many blessings for a year of health and growth! You have a special place in my heart.
~Irene
You bring tears to my eyes; oh what a blessed boy to have a papa who loves him so dearly.
My son will be two in a few months as well; maybe one day they might meet and become friends.
From Canada: Happy second birthday, dear boy.
Ira,
In a world so desperate for some good news, your life brings courage, hope, and grace. Thanks for the encouragement you are simply by just being you! I hope you had an awesome birthday.
Richie Malone
Dear Ira,
I am so proud of you for turning two and so thankful that God has had such big plans for your life. My mom and Dad and I and many of our friends have been praying for you for a long time. Maybe we'll get to meet someday. Have fun keeping your parents on their toes as only a two-year-old can. We will keep praying for you and watching you grow through your blog.
Love,
Jonathan
Age 2
Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!
Happy Birthday Ira! I hope your 3rd year is one of filled with great blessings and continued growth and learning. Keep your Mom & Dad on their toes as you begin to explore and learn many more things this year.
May God continue to bless you & strengthen you each day.
Marcie
Ira,
Happy Happy Birthday little man! I look forward to hearing about your wonderful accomplishments in the years to come. You are strong and have brought so much more to peoples lives then you can imagine.
Bless you,
Johnny!
Happy Birthday sweet Ira! Your life has touched so many people in many different ways. God certainly has a grand purpose for you! What a special boy you are. May God watch over you as you continue to grow and amaze us all.
Love,
The Harmons---Mike, Jesse, Luke, Kaden, Gabriel, and Josie.
Ira-
Though we have never met, you have been an important part of my life since the day you were born. Just a few months younger than my own son, I have shared your story with him, showed him your videos, and you are consistently a part of our prayers.
One day I hope that the two of you will be able to play together, or ride bikes together, or sit down together over coffee. I like thinking about “one day” when it comes to my son, and I like to see that “one day” hope in you, even if it’s sometimes “one day at a time”.
When I pray for him, the way that God has used him to teach and shape me, and the future that I want for him, I go back to the letter to the Philippians. So I share that with you today, in the hopes that you’ll read it “one day”.
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
We praise God for you Ira and for your amazing family.
-Kester, Rachel, and Harry
Happy Birthday, Ira! You have touched so many lives in your 2 years. I have never met you, but each time I read your dad's blogs about you, I am more and more amazed at your strength and courage. Hearing so may stories about you, I have laughed and I have cried. You are an amazing little boy and I pray that you are blessed with many more wonderful years!
We love you, Ira, along with your sweet mom, dad and sis. And we continue to pray that God blesses you with many more happy, healthy birthdays. Cheers to you, our little friend!
The Young family
Happy Birthday Miracle Boy!You have been part of my prayers for the past two years. My God bless you and your family with many more years of love and laughter.
Sue Evans
Maryland
Happy birthday, Ira.
I have not yet met you in person, but I look forward to that day. I think you and my 2-and-a-half-year-old daughter would get along wonderfully.
You have blessed many people during your first two years on this earth. Thanks for inspiring so many of us!
Blessings to you and the rest of your precious family...
Happy Birthday, Ira. We've never met; I heard about your daddy's blogsite after reading an entry at Mike Cope's. I've followed you and your family for the last two years. I kiss a green wristband every time I pick it up and pray for you all. You are a remarkable youngin' and I thank God for all that He has done with and through you.
Happy Birthday Ira. It is so wonderful to see you looking so strong and to witness your beautiful personality. You have been such a blessing to those who surround you and I look forward to celebrating your future birthdays. This is truly a reason to celebrate.
Love,
Jennifer
Happy 2nd Birthday, sweet Ira! We're sorry we missed your fun party. We're so grateful to know you and your family. Thank you for the smiles you have given us. We love you.
P.S. Erin wants to read books with you again soon!
Happy birthday, Ira! We pray for you in Kyiv, Ukraine. God bless.
Happy Birthday Ira! You are such an inspiration to many, including my 3 year old little boy, Elijah. He asks to see baby Ira every time I get on the computer. :-) Guess you're not a baby anymore, you big 2 year old! We pray that you have many more birthdays and continued good health and progress.
love, jason, summer and elijah
Happy Birthday IRA ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪ ♪♪♪
2 years old , WOW , and look how many people love ♥ you already , May God smile upon you and bless you and your family with many many more happy Birthdays .Wishing all your dreams come true ,happiness and good health .
what an awesome family you have , they love you so much ,you all are truly blessed to have each other .
GOD BLESS
Greeneyes.
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, our Dear Ira,
Happy birthday to you.
(sung by Elizabeth 4-1/2 & Matthew, 3)
Ira, you are loved by so many people and you constantly amaze us! You continually show us God's work. May you continue to be blessed in the many years to come.
To sweet Ira,
Happy birthday friend! Thank you for the many lessons you have taught us! Thank you for being such a fighter! Thank you for letting us see Jesus in those beautiful eyes.
We can't wait to meet you in person. We love you SO MUCH!
God's great blessings upon you,
Michael, Denise, Chloe, Phoebe and Isaiah
ira lester hays- you are tha' man!!
thank you for your life, your perserverence, commitment to fight thru the pain, reliance on those you trust and those you don't who are usually dressed in scrubs, for your breath, your laugh, your cries...and the unconditional love you continue to shower on your sister. Oh she is the luckiest sissy of all. Play with her, laugh with her, grow with her. You are good, pure and perfect in the eyes of God and in the eyes of us who love you. Can't wait to see ya again!
Steve, Jen, Blakely, Jack, & Tate
Dear Ira,
It's too bad we missed your rockin' birthday party but we were celebrating your 2 years across the way in NJ. Someday soon I hope you and Clare get to play together in church again (even if it means not paying much attention to your dad...) You are so sweet in the way you smile at her and are gentle with her and share your toys, and make the "baby" sign when you see her. It makes us all so happy to see you together!
Here's to another year where you amaze everyone every day! Happy birthday!
Jen and Brent and Clare
wkdftiDear Ira,
I'm so sorry I missed this very special occasion, it really is a big to do you know. For such a little package you bring so many lessons to so many people ... Ira, know that you are sincerely loved and cared for by many, as well as prayed for across the United States and beyond it boundaries ... You are a great example to me in perservance and trusting ... wishing you many many more birthdays ... Happy Happy Birthday sweet pea
Love Ya,
Sue Young
Ira, I can't believe you are 2 already!! That means we have been following your journey and have been praying for you for a little longer than that. Wow!!
We know your mommy and daddy and sister and dog from seminary, and know you now through this blog!! We hope there will be a time in the near future where you will get to meet and play with our kids too!
Thanks for teaching us all so much in your fight to live and reminding us of how precious each day here is. We love you lots! Happy Birthday kiddo!
Ira,
Happy Birthday! I am so thankful for your sweet smile and beautiful, happy spirit! We have talked about you and prayed for you so much that you are infamous in our house, and Gabe can't wait to meet you one day. I am thankful for your life and your amazing progress.
We love you! Kaley Ihfe and family (Karl, Gabe and Hallie)
Ira - we hope to meet you and your sweet sister in person someday, but in the mean time we treasure the opportunity to pray for you and celebrate the beauty of your life from clear across the country in Portland, Oregon. Your tenacity is inspiring, and we treasure you and your family so much.
Keith, Jen, Leah, and Kaya
Happy 2nd Birthday Ira! I've never met you but have prayed for you since before you were born. I'm thankful God is faithful and answered those prayers by having you home celebrating your 2nd birthday!
I wish you a healthy and happy year.
Happy Birthday, Ira!
It has been such a treat watching you grow and change over these last two years, and I look forward to reading and watching many more of your adventures in the future!
God is using your life as an example to others out there, and you are showing us that all things are possible through Christ Jesus!
Once again, happy birthday, and here's to many, many more :0)
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