to sullivan on his tenth birthday

Oh my boy,

10 years ago you came into this world and captured my heart. I’ve never known a love like yours. It’s as deep as the pools of your eyes and as hopeful as a bubbling spring. You are such balm to my heart.

This year you grew and grew and grew and grew. You are wearing size small mens clothing now. The funny thing is that you are still such an innocent boyish sort of boy inside of a small man’s body. You’re always creating and playing like a 10 year old should. Your creations are so magical and innovative. I’m very sure that you will be something creative when you are grown up.

This year you had a lot of orthodontics done to your mouth. So much metal. So much discomfort. But you had such a good attitude. As your jaw moved your face changed so drastically and much of your babyness just melted away. You also hit yourself in the mouth with a golf club and chipped your front tooth in half! I cried so hard. You’ve taken it in stride.

You are still our little animal lover. When it’s warm outside I can always find you with your hands in the water or dirt trying to catch little creatures. You are especially enamored with snakes and we always have a trap set in our driveway in hopes that one will crawl in. This year our neighbor is letting you help take care of her horse and you are able to ride him often. I’m so proud of how responsible you are becoming.

We homeschooled this year and you LOVE it. You are begging to do it again next year. I think that it doesn’t hurt that we learn a lot about animals. I’ve loved watching you grow in your love of learning.

This past year I had the goal to climb a mountain near my house 52 times. You were my biggest cheerleader and scaled it with me many times. You proudly tell people “My mama climbs mountains". It fills me right up.

You are the most tenderhearted of my children. You are a peacemaker. It’s not easy being in the middle but you hold the role well.

You play guitar and crack me up because you’re wanting to learn the most random songs (like Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie). I love finding you bent over the guitar practicing.

Sullivan, I have failed you many, many times this past year and you are always there to give me forgiveness even when I don’t deserve it. Your heart is so very pure.

You are light and we need you, dear one. You are important and treasured by all who know you. When I look into your sparkling eyes I see kindness that gives to everyone it knows. We are all lucky to love you.

Stay boyish in wonder my son,

Your Mama