When you’re in the middle of a pack of kids, you tend to be easygoing. When you’re the only boy in a sea of girls, you’re 100% relaxed, confident, and happy to listen to “advice” from the sisters and then (inevitably) do your own thing or comply, whatever will cause the less strife amongst these sisters.
That’s Jack.
Our #4. Our Favorite Son. Our King of the Castle.
I remember the day he was born vividly. We had a big kid in kindergarten, one in preschool, and Amelia was not even two. School was still in session. Beans were still being planted. Our life was full and busy, much like it still is, but Jack came in just as he does today: easygoing and compliant.
That little boy became the chubbiest, sweetest, sunniest little boy with the best imagination. We still giggle about his cape-wearing phase, his hat-wearing phase, his full-on costume-wearing phase. He’s wanted to be Batman, a bull rider, a farmer, an animator, an NFL football player. He has never lacked in confidence or character, and that is what makes him stand out and stand up in our big family.
Now this {not so little} boy is 11.
Today.
Jack is calling his grandpa to thank him for the present, texting his grandma on his brand new phone (yikes). He’s readying himself for a day of being awesome, and, as always, going with the flow. We’re on our way to the State Track Meet this morning for his biggest sister. We have celebrated heartily yesterday and this morning, and I can’t help but smile at how this is just the way it is when you’re one of many. Your time of being special is finite, my friends…no “birthday weeks” around here! Ha!
I think that’s why Jack has been so easygoing. He was born a relaxed and happy kid, and our big family, full of life and schedules and people, has worked in harmony to keep that personality going, even has his big pre-teen years stare us down.
Our {not-so-little} boy is moving into years and a world where stuff may feel hard. My hope for our growing boy is that his personality will allow him to continue to see the world as a place of good: one where costumes, although outgrown, are still funny memories to laugh about and that same imagination and creativity will carry him through this next phase with joy and trust that the world is good.
Dear Jack,
Dad and I are so proud of the young man you are growing to become. Even though there are times that I wish I could see your little babyface one more time, who you are today is someone who is the same as that chubby boy: kind and good. Keep that kindness, my friend. We adore who you are, pray for who you are becoming, and stand firm that, although your Batman phase is over, you’ll continue to always do what’s right and stand for what is true.
We love you, son. Text me today on that fancy phone.
Love,
Mom