Sixteen.

DUDE! SIXTEEN!!!

Sweet boy…

Sixteen. I can hardly believe it.

How did we get here so fast?

It feels like just yesterday you were curling up in my lap, building LEGO towers, racing Hot Wheels through the kitchen, giggling with that little-boy laugh that I can still hear if I close my eyes. And yet, somehow, you woke up this morning a young man — standing tall, full of confidence and humility, and walking into this new chapter with the same quiet strength that’s been in you since the beginning.

Sixteen years ago tonight, you were placed in my arms for the very first time.

And in that moment, everything changed.

There you were — real, alive, mine — and somehow still completely a gift from Heaven. I remember crying, laughing, whispering prayers over your tiny face. In that instant, I knew my heart would never be the same. Because God, in His grace, chose me to be your mom. And since that day, it’s been one of the greatest joys, deepest honors, and most sacred privileges of my life.

And today… well, today was one for the books.

It started with what could’ve been a frustrating disaster — a massive line at the DOL, people talking about 4- to 5-hour waits. But of course, in perfect Zack fashion, you took it in stride. Calm. Patient. And somehow (God wink), we were ushered into a different line and done in 10 minutes flat. Just like that — you were official.

The look on your face when they handed you that license — I’ll never forget it. Pride, joy, freedom. You’ve been waiting for this for so long, and you earned it every step of the way.

And then — in true Zack form — your very first drive was to take your sisters to Target. No flex. No solo joyride. You brought them with you. You always think of others first. And in that moment, I saw again just how deeply you love — how much it matters to you that the people around you feel seen, safe, and included. You’ve always been that way.

Then came the surprise: your very own Tesla Model S.

And oh my goodness — your face. Pure shock, followed by the biggest, most genuine smile. It was like every birthday and Christmas joy rolled into one. You’ve worked so hard, Zack. With humility, with focus, with such integrity. You’ve never expected anything — but you’ve earned everything.

You took the girls to Starbucks next, soaking up the moment, and then went for a hike with McKenna — a beautiful walk that led to a big, brave moment. You asked her to be your girlfriend. You were respectful, kind, confident. And she said yes. My heart swelled watching you step into that with such care and intentionality.

And then — life being what it is — you tripped on a rock and gashed your leg open.

Your perfect birthday turned into three hours in urgent care and a handful of stitches. And you handled it all with that steady, even-keeled spirit of yours. No complaining. No dramatics. Just calm strength and a grin that said, “Really Dude. Of course this would happen today.”

You came home sore, stitched, and a little worn out — but still smiling.

And to end the night, you curled up on the couch with McKenna and watched Cars 2.

Only you, Zack.

Only you could live a day like this with so much grace and grit.

As I sit here tonight, reflecting on the sixteen years I’ve been blessed to be your mom, I am completely undone with gratitude. Zack, you are extraordinary. Not just because of what you do — although your accomplishments amaze me — but because of who you are.

You are filled with strength, but you are gentle.

You are funny, sharp, clever — and yet grounded and kind.

You lead without trying, serve without needing recognition, and love with your whole heart.

You are a protector, a dreamer, a hard worker, a faithful son.

And you love Jesus.

It’s quiet, but it’s real. And it radiates through your choices, your words, your character.

And now, as you step into this new season, I pray this over you with every ounce of my love:

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 most beautiful gifts I’ve ever been given.

Watching you grow is the honor of my life.

And I will love you — forever and always — with everything I have.

Happy 16th birthday, my sweet, strong, amazing boy.

I love you endlessly.

Mom