Birthday Boy.
I wish I could capture down all the ways you have completely made me erupt in to laughter this year through some sarcastic meme, witty comeback or downright outlandish idea. I swear I absolutely never know what's to follow the daily "Hey Mom..." and I completely hope it stays this way forever. This world is brimming over with big feelings...seismic shifts....chaotic holdings and it is important work to belong with someone that finds your laughter. How many can claim that special person as their only son? You capture my heart with laughter, kid and in this lifetime, there is no greater gift to offer your Mom.
It has been incredible to watch you transition from a quirky little kid to this inquisitive, dreamy-eyed, wonder of a tween. Still a little disregulated with your very big feelings, but there's been so much progress. How quickly you emote it all... and even faster you forgive. We could all stand to be a bit more like you.
This year there were bedtime podcasts, yelp reviews of your sister, a newfound passion for art, bike rides with buddies in the neighborhood and all those dang fortnite dances. You learned that what gets written on text, can't be so easily undone and jokes about religion or politics are much better recieved in smaller crowds. Important life lessons. There were third time runs for class leadership and third time recoveries from that loss. To quote you, "Well losing the election stinks but, at least I introduced so many people to Napolean Dynamite." I mean... Napolean Dynamite is a MUCH COOLER claim to fame.
This next year you will embark on Middle School. Our quirky soul in a sea of so many more kids. It is a season that is marked for many with insecurities and I am hopeful that you hold close how beautiful it is to be unique. You can bet your bunnies I will be reminding you of this any and every chance I get. I have no doubt that you will keep us laughing, redirecting and trying to keep up with your endless knowledge bank every step of the way.
You are my MOST favorite son and every day I thank God that he felt I was cool enough to be your Mom.
Here's to a year of all that and more...
Mom
***crank up that volume!***
Gabe's 11! from Julie May on Vimeo.