The Big 7

My James,

I’ve been watching you closely lately.  This last year of your life has been a beautiful one, but one that has allowed me to glimpse the beginning of a journey.  You have always been my little dude, my sweet baby boy, my handsome man.  And while you are still a few years away from your teen years, I can see a little bit of the young man you will become.  Especially now that you have started to spread your wings and taken steps towards more independence. You used to love our slow walks to the park so we could swing together for hours, but now you race ahead on your scooter so you can play football with your friends while I sit and watch.

You are smart. Wicked smart.  Don’t ever forget that smart is cool.  And if something doesn’t come easy to you, and there will be things that don’t, studying is cool too. So is trying again.  And again. You are an incredibly hard worker, very competitive and a slight perfectionist - all of which when combined can either be used for the forces of good or the forces of not so good... thankfully you have a huge heart that should guide you towards good.

If I was given a list of qualities I might gift to you, at the top would be kindness. Leading with your heart as you often do is an amazing start.  Even now, you know right from wrong.  That sensibility, I imagine will only become more enhanced as you get older.  That feeling you get in your tummy, in your head and in your heart that tells you, ‘this is right and THIS is wrong’…. follow it, trust it, embrace it.  I know it won’t always be easy.  Standing up for someone when you see they need it, being the one of your friends that chooses a different path – I’m asking a lot of you, but I know you can do it. Trust yourself. The people around you deserve the gift of kindness that you choose to give. Whether you are helping your brother or sister, saving worms, comforting a friend, picking something up for someone, holding a door open or just offering a kind word, it all matters.

Right now you come to me with everything.  You are completely transparent. If you get in trouble at school, if you make a bad decision, if you are mean to your sister, you confide in me.  I realize as you get older, turning to me and your Dad may not always seems as easy, but know this, we will always be here for you, no matter what.  We WANT you to come to us – with questions, with worries, with concerns. We are here to protect and guide you, forever.

My goal has always been to be the best Mama, the best teacher, you could have.  But you, James, are mine.  I learn more from you, Madeleine and Matthias every day than I could possibly have imagined.  You allow me to see the world from a different height, through open, honest eyes.  You love purely, you give unconditionally and play hard with all of your heart.  If only each and every adult I knew subscribed to your life philosophies, this world would be ready for you when you grow up.

Did I mention I don’t want you to grow up?  That I don’t want you to ever stop snuggling with me at night or early in the morning? That I don’t ever want you to stop saying, “I love you, Mama” in the middle of the day? That I hope you won’t ever be embarrassed to run and jump in my arms in celebration after winning a game? You have my heart, always.

The Happiest of Birthdays.

Love always and forever,

Your Mama