Two Weeks (The Baxter Family #5)
Karen Kingsbury
To Donald: Our family is so strong, so much closer than ever before. These are the years we dreamed about when we were raising our kids. A season when our adult kids would love God and each other, and when they would love spending a free Saturday night around the kitchen table—laughing and playing games and being best friends. These empty-nester years have been full of beautiful walks and meaningful talks, nights when we randomly jump into the car and spend an evening with Kelsey and Kyle and our adorable grandsons, Hudson and Nolan. We play tennis and Ping-Pong and hang out with our wonderful friends. And yes, we miss having our family all together every day. But when they come home the celebrating never ends. I loved raising our kids with you, and now I love this season, too. God has brought us through so many pages in our story. The Baxter family came to life while our kids were growing up. When the Baxters told stories around the family dinner table, we were doing the same. And when their kids auditioned for Christian theater, our kids were singing the same songs. Yes, our family is—and always will be—inexorably linked with the Baxters. Thank you, my love, for creating a world where our life and family and faith were so beautiful I could do nothing but write about it. So that some far-off day when we’re old and the voices of our many grandchildren fill the house, we can pull out books like this one and remember. Every single beautiful moment. I love you.
To Kyle:
You will always be the young man we prayed for, the one we believed God for when it came to our precious only daughter. You love Kelsey so well, and you are such a great daddy to Hudson and Nolan. I literally thank God every day for you and for the friendship we all share. You are strong and confident, humble and kind. You lead your family in a way that is breathtaking. Thank you for bringing us constant joy. We pray and believe that the whole world will one day be changed for the better because of your music, your leadership, your love and your life.
To Kelsey:
What an amazing season this has been, watching you be the best mommy ever for precious Hudson and Nolan. Both your little boys are so happy and confident, filled with joy and innocence and a depth that goes beyond their ages. They are bright and kind and they love Jesus. I’m beyond proud of you and Kyle for the way you’re parenting these angels. What a beautiful time for all of us! I’m savoring every day living so nearby to you and Kyle and the boys. As always, I believe God will continue to use your precious family as a very bright light . . . and I know that one day all the world will look to you both as an example of how to love well. Love you with all my heart, honey.
To Tyler:
I remember that long-ago day when you were ten and you said, “Mom, someday I’m going to write music and make movies. But I think I’m also going to write books in my spare time. Like you do!” And now that’s exactly what you’re doing. I can’t believe we’ve just seen the release of Best Family Ever: The Baxter Children. It’s hard to believe that we get the privilege of going back and telling the childhood stories of characters God gave me when you were a child. Really amazing, isn’t it? How good God is? I always knew He had gifted you with great talent. But I never would’ve imagined the ways He would work it all together. You’re still songwriting, still writing original screenplays and dreaming of making movies. And now you’re writing books in your spare time, too. I love it! Your dad and I are beyond proud of how you serve at church and care for others. It’s a privilege to be your parents. More than ever, God has great things ahead, and as always I am most thankful for this front-row seat. Oh, and for the occasional evening when you stop by for dinner and finish the night playing the piano. You are a very great blessing, Ty. Love you always.
To Sean:
I will always believe that God has great plans for you. These are the years when you choose who you’ll be, the years when you will make choices that will determine your future. As you go through life, I pray you remember your loving past, your roots of faith and the way you are so very much a part of our family. God is kind to give each of us the choice, the decision to become the person we want to be—in faith, in work and in relationships. You are a beloved son, Sean. I can’t wait to celebrate all that your life will be in the years to come. Stay in His word. I love you always and forever.
To Josh:
Way back when you were little, we always knew you’d grow up to be a hard worker, and you absolutely are! As our much-loved son, always remember that having a relationship with Jesus is the most important gift you will ever give your family. In the years to come, as you walk out your faith together, just know how much we love you. We always have. We believe in you. We are here for you always!
To EJ:
What a tremendous time this is for you, EJ. In just a few weeks you will walk across the stage at Liberty University, cinematic arts degree in hand! You are doing so well at school, so excited about the career in filmmaking you have chosen. And you are passionate about voice-over work! I really believe one day we’ll hear you talking in a national commercial. Someone has to be the next best voice talent—it might as well be you! I’ve also seen you grow into a confident, communicative young man, humble and kind, but still able to speak your mind. Isn’t it something how God knew—even all those years ago when you first entered our family—that you would need to be with people who loved God and loved each other . . . but also people who loved storytelling? I’m so excited about the future, and the way God will use your gifts to intersect with the gifts of so many others in our family. Maybe we should start our own studio—making movies that will change the world for God. Whatever the future holds, remember that your most powerful hour of the day is the one you give to Jesus. Stay in His word. Pray always. I love you.