As we worked our way around the table of seventeen people, these affirmations of Ian on his birthday sprang forth.
"I love his personality."
"I love his smile."
"I love his big hugs."
"He plays with me." (The picture below might give away who said something like this!)
"I love his relaxed demeanor."
"I love that he is happy most of the time."
"I love that he is a hard worker."
This particular statement is a running joke in our family because it is Daddy's favorite and others will sometimes try to say it first so that he has to come up with another! But it is true that Ian can put great effort into tasks, as we discovered this year during quarantine when he sanded and stained stairs, painted walls, and refinished a sentimental table for some extra pocket money.
This year for Ian's 13th birthday, we celebrated first with a three-person lunch: Daddy, Mommy and Ian at FLORECE ordering take out from Texas Burgers upon the birthday boy's request. Dining in restaurants became a thing of the past somewhere around March thanks to COVID-19, but as a result new options have appeared and this was one Ian was eager to try. His "Grills BBQ" onion ring topped burger did not disappoint nor did the giant wedge fries that made our hungry growing adolescent one happy camper!
Afterwards, Daddy drove our party of three to dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean at the El Morro inlet where the municipality has built wide, curving steps down into the water for residents to enjoy. We smiled at a pair of grandparents who were truly enjoying the sunshiny day as they happily played and floated in the waist-high waters. Daddy watched as Ian and Mom waded and caught the more-than-occasional can of beer that had been callously discarded into the sea, which Ian took the time to throw away where it belonged. We chuckled at the sight he made juggling that wet collection as he wondered sheepishly what people might be thinking!
 |
|
Back at home, we were joined by the Fishers, Sharps, Aunt Noni and our houseguests Tio David and Tia Valeria to sing and celebrate, open gifts and eat Aunt Terri's now-famous triple layer banana cake with cream cheese icing (first made for Silas' birthday and now your request as well!) You had asked for a Nerf gun and we obliged, which led of course to controlled chaos and laughter as it was immediately put to good use. Your birthday money did not have long to burn a hole in your pocket before you headed to the store in the next day or two for a second weapon to add to your arsenal! But we all enjoyed your joy.
Dear Ian,
I can hardly believe you are a TEENAGER! I will always remember the busy, cheerful, intense, boisterous, energetic baby boy that God allowed us to bring home from Haiti. At thirteen you are perhaps less intense and a little more calm, but still fun-loving and generally happy and uniquely you.
Something I have enjoyed with you lately has been listening to you read through The Mapmaker Chronicles and observing how the story has captured your interest and imagination. You love adventure and excitement, music and drama (a current favorite is "The Greatest Showman") and I have no doubt God has something special in store for your talents and interests and abilities. Please have patience with us as we learn alongside you!
We love you, Ian, and treasure your tender heart. Happy 13th Birthday, dear son!
All my love,
Mommy
----------------------------------------
Birthday Posts by Year:
No comments:
Post a Comment