About A Boy. . . A Nine Year Old Boy

Nine years ago today, the day of your birth, our lives changed forever.  I still remember what it felt like the morning after you were born.  I remember sitting in the corner of our hospital room, the bright light of morning pouring into the room and silence surrounding us. I remember holding you close and breathing in your sweet baby scents and pressing the soft peach fuzz of your head against my cheek.  I remember feeling as though my heart would explode with the intense love and wonder you brought into our lives the instant of your birth. 

On that day, nine years ago, I could have never imagined all the joy, life, and energy you would bring into our lives.  Charlie, what joy your bring to us.  You fill our home with so much life, laughter, and the perfect amount of wit. . .

Anyone who meets you sees the way you easily laugh and infuse any moment with fun and excitement.  Your mere presence does that–it’s who you are. 

But there is this other part of you–this lesser known part–a part of you that only those closest to you know.

Charlie, you may not have the words to know what it is or you may not be able to recognize it, but we do.  Those of us closest to you know that you have a special gift.  A very special gift.

It’s your heart, Charlie.  Your heart.  Within your tiny frame, you carry a deeply sensitive heart.  A heart that feels and sees and experiences.  A heart that twists and turns with the twists and turns of life.  A heart that loves and loves deeply.  A heart that cares and cares deeply.

You love with an uninhibited love.  I will never forget what you did moments after hearing my Mom died.  We were shocked and overwhelmed with such sad news and I sat on our living room floor, lost in tears and grief.  That’s when you, just four years old, walked up to me and handed me my Bible, gave me a hug and quietly walked away. 

That deeply sensitive soul is who you are–it’s who you have always been.

Charlie, we are so thankful for who you are.  For the son you are and for the big brother you are.  I know both Chanelle and Meadow are better, because you have paved the road for them. . . Thank you for being such a great brother. . .

Thank you for being such a wonderful son.  Daddy and I are so, so proud of you.  We are proud of who you are and who you are becoming.  I want you to know that we believe it you, we trust you, and we support you. 

We are so excited to watch you grow and change and find your way through life.  We are so excited to watch your life unfold and cheer you through all the ups, downs, twists and turns that lie ahead. 

But more than anything, Charlie?  We are just so thankful that God gave us you. 

Happy Birthday, Charlie.

I love you.

Mommy.