to my young man..on the day you become a teen ;O)
Happy Birthday Luis
I’ve started this post so many times over the past week and words have not seem to come to me. Today you turned 13 - THIRTEEN LUIS! - and I am still having a hard time wrapping my mind around this fact. I don’t know why it is hard for me to accept it when you and your brother and sister turn another year older. I suppose I am in some sort of denial of it all. I can still rememver, vividly, the day you were born, the way you smelled, the sound of your cries. I remember how tiny your hands were in mine and marvel in how much you’ve grown. I also marvel at all the growing you still have to do.
You’ve changed so much this past year. You are still sensitive and kind and Iadmire your perception of the world around you. You’ve started taking Karate with Enrique and I’ve watched you both grow in the process. I have to admit Luis, you are really good at it. It’s brought out a new side to you. You certainly have begun to speak your mind more often; not just to your brother and sister but to me too. It sort of catches me off guard because you’ve always been so much quieter than your sister who, let’s admit, is a bit of a drama queen at times. I realize that you are just becoming your own person and forming your own ideas and opinions about life. I also realize this is your attempt to be noticed more.
You still ask amazing questions and your curiosity never ceases. I have learned this year that you are very detail oriented. I suppose I always knew that - I guess it just became clear to me. You always want to know what time it is, the exact route we are taking to get somewhere, how long I think it will take to get there, what the scheule is for the day… the list goes on and on. It’s just who you are and I have seen how this attention to detail benefits you in other areas of your life. It pays off in Karate, in playing (and winning) games, and it certainly helps you with your school work.
I know you are having a good time visiting Uncle Mike but I am a bit sad that I am not with you on this special day. I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and being able to celbrate the beginning of your teenage years in person. More than that, Luis, I look forward to watching you continue to grow into the man I see you are quickly becoming. I am so excited to see where the next few years will take you. You have so many adventures ahead of you.
While I know that it may not always be cool to hug or kiss your mother in public and while I know you will continue to find your own way in this world, don’t ever forget that I am here for you - to listen, to understand, to take your side and to love you. I am so proud to be your mother. I love you so
always
mom
Very sweet!