By the gifts, powers and blessings from a Loving God, Cindy and I were able to create a mortal body for our son… Adam. In my minds eye I can still see him entering into this world on that beautiful September day 1994 atop the mountain slopes of Oahu, Hawaii.
My Son, Adam Michael Hawkes was born of a beautiful woman who possesses the patience of Job and the Compassion of the Savior. There in her arms he lay, so natural and so reverently… his head softly resting against his mother as mother and child began the reuniting of an eternal relationship… one that existed before the world was formed and one that will last through the eternities.
My son, who I would rock to sleep singing simple songs, hoping, dreaming and praying for his future. So tiny at the time, yet a man in embryo and a man he would be.
My son, who from a window view I watched as he would wade through the rejections of others, yet always offering a kind word, never criticism… always quick to forgive and forget that he might win a friend.
My son, who couldn’t play the normal school sports… how I longed to be a better dad … just to play catch.
My son, who couldn’t drive at 16 because of his medical condition, nor would he talk about it to avoid disappointment.
My son, who never complained when he often was chosen last by those who he cared for and who he saw as his friends.
Our Son, who has the ability to understand the heart of the outcast.
Our Son, who shares the inherent kindness of his mother and finds joy with all that he is with. He sees others through an eternal value filter and innately understands the worth of a soul.
Our Son, who sets the example of a First Born, A path blazer to his sisters and a stalwart in his choices.
Our Son, even with his special challenges would put his head down and push ahead with that which was asked of him.
Our Son, on crystal cold nights and fiery days would, without complaint, accomplish the farm chores to help his mother while dad was away.
Our Son, has learned to love the Lord and His Teachings.. he has secured a sure foundation.
His Son… Adam is only on loan to us… he is God’s son and we are blessed to have him in our home.
His Son… Adam desires strongly to serve his Father in Heaven by being a missionary.
His Son… Adam seeks the blessings of the temple.
His Son… Adam seeks to lift others and be kind towards God’s other Children… his extended family of brothers and sisters.
His Son… Adam is created in His image.
His Son… Adam will rise again in the resurrection because God’s Love… through His Only Begotten.
His Son… Adam holds the Priesthood of the Living God… His Father in Heaven.
His Son… Adam will fulfill all that His Father has planned for him to do.
His Son… Adam will let his light so shine to the world and not be ashamed.
His Son, Our Son, My Son… Adam Michael Hawkes… Oh how I love you. Oh how WE Love you… Press on Our Son.
Adam Hawkes 
That was written so beautifully from the heart as I tearfully reply. I think many of us feel somewhat the same but lack the words that were so beautifully and powerfully spoken. Thanks, Mike for sharing part of your heart! Love to all the Hawkes family!
That was beautiful. What a wonderful blessing to have a son and to love him as you do. Thanks for sharing.
President Hawkes,
I remember well the day you started “Adam’s Journey;” typing to allay the anguish, the anxiety, of the wait ~ of unknown duration ~ until Adam returned from surgery. All the posts have been powerful, but none more so than this one. You have once again touched my heart so deeply by opening yours so completely, so eloquently. Once again my tears flow uncontrollably. Thank you. Adam, too, is blessed because you & Cindy were chosen by Heavenly Father to be his earthly parents. it is an honor to call you, Cindy, Lauren, Shelby & Adam, “Friends,” & a blessing to call you “Brothers & Sisters.” Thank you for enabling Mark & I to spend time with Adam & make treasured memories with him. Adam touches the life of everyone he meets, just as he has ours. We love Adam, & we love you, President Hawkes & your incredible family ~ as only our Heavenly Father knows.
That was beautiful Mike. A thought crossed my mind as I was reading, and being inspired by Adam’s Faith through this journey. Our Heavenly Father uses the small and simple things to make Great things come to pass. He doesn’t need a silver vessel just a surrendered one to do His work. Our Heavenly Father hasn’t had anyone perfect working for Him yet 🙂 It is AMAZING what God can do when we surrender to His will, to His love; This is when we can be used of God, as a sharp tool in His hands. “He that is greatest among you let Him be your servant”. We Love you Adam, Keep up the progress, and your focus stayed on the Lord!!!! God Bless.