Fifteen.

 Bruh.

Where in the world did 15 years go? It’s been the blink of an eye and yet I cannot remember life without you in it. Fifteen years ago this evening, I got to hold you in my arms for the very first time. Every emotion flooded my mind and my heart. You were an actual real life baby and you were MINE! And that moment changed everything. I was selected by Jesus himself to be your mom. And every day since then has been part of my life’s greatest joy and honor. You, my son, are the greatest blessing. 

But… I honestly don’t know how we got here so fast. Weren’t you just building LEGOs and racing hot wheels? And now—suddenly—you’re lettering in varsity football, starting as a freshman on JV basketball, and throwing discs like a boss in track. You’re navigating this world with strength, grit, focus, and purpose—and it’s awe-inspiring to watch.

As I sit and write this, you’re at the counter studying for the most challenging test of your life—AP Chemistry. And somehow, I already know you’ll rise to the challenge just like you always do. You’ll get a 5 on that test—because you’re brilliant, because you work harder than anyone else, and because you carry this deep inner drive that just doesn’t quit. And unbelievably, through all the practices, games, competitions, and leadership roles, you’re still holding on to a perfect 4.0 GPA. Zack, that kind of consistency, focus, and follow-through is incredibly rare—and it does not go unnoticed.

Just this week, you found out you’ve been elected sophomore class president, and it couldn’t be more fitting. You’re a born leader—not the loudest in the room, but the one people naturally want to follow. You listen. You lift others up. You lead by example. Whether you’re calling a play on the field, leading a class discussion, or helping a teammate stay encouraged—you’re influencing everyone around you in quiet, powerful ways.

And now you’re about to hit another huge milestone: your learner’s permit. You’ve been dreaming of driving for years—and now here we are. And while it makes my heart ache just a little, I can already picture you behind the wheel, cruising confidently toward all that’s ahead. This new freedom, this new chapter—it suits you. You’ve always been ready for the next step, the next challenge, the next adventure.

Zack, you are a gift. Truly. You’re hilarious and humble. Focused and fun. You still crack us up with your puns and one-liners, and yet you’re the first to step up and serve when something needs to get done. Your love for Jesus may be quiet, but it is deep—and it radiates through your character, your integrity, and your love for people.

Each year with you is a new layer of wonder. I’m so proud of what you’re accomplishing, but even more so of who you’re becoming. You carry yourself with confidence and humility, strength and compassion. You set big goals, and you attack them with everything you’ve got. You lead with heart. You give without expecting anything in return. You dream boldly and live purposefully.

So today, on your 15th birthday, I celebrate you. And I thank God—yet again—for the front-row seat He’s given me in this incredible journey. I am blown away by who you are. And I pray this, with all my heart:

Lord, thank you for the precious gift and miracle you have blessed us with in giving us Zack. I pray that you would raise Zack up to be a Mighty Man of God and a warrior for your kingdom. That he would love and serve you and love and serve your people and honor and obey us as his parents. And Lord, that you would give us great wisdom to be parents worthy of his love, honor, obedience, and respect! God I pray that Zack would be a man of integrity and great character. That he would be strong and courageous. That he would tenaciously seek you and your will, but that his heart would be tender in the pursuit of your people. Lord, I pray that your grace and mercy would pour out over his life and that he would accept your amazing gift of forgiveness, every single day. And please work in our hearts to never take this weight of parenting lightly. Lord, we are raising your precious child. He is not ours, he is a child of the Most High God. You have created every speck of sand on the shore, every star in the sky, and know every hair on his head…he is yours. But thank you so much for giving us the amazing opportunity to be his parents and love him every day of his life. Lord I pray that you would protect him from injury, disease, and illness. Protect his heart from heartache. And Lord, please help me to be his greatest fan and encourager. This year he rocked high school. And before I know it, he will be driving, graduating, and heading off into the world. All too soon I will hear Zachariah David Pentz announced as he walks across the platform and is handed his diploma. Lord, I pray even now for Zack’s future spouse. I pray that Zack would lay his life down for her as you did for your church. And on that day, on that altar, you would join them together forever in a union that only you could create. And one day, when he becomes a father, may he gaze into the eyes of his child with the same awe and love I feel right now. God, continue to shape him and form him into the Man of God that you have called him to be.

Amen.

Zack, you are one of the greatest joys of my life. I love you more than words could ever express.

Happy 15th birthday, my boy.

I love you forever.

Mom