Two hands

My dear, beautiful son. Today, you turn six. That's no longer a baby, but an age that requires the use of two hands to display it properly. Was it really six years ago that you came into this world so abruptly, butt first? (You've been doing things your way ever since.) Six years since I held you in my arms that very first time? Since you became my "just one"? My, how time passes in the blink of an eye.

While it is short in the scheme of your life, during those six years, I've learned so much more from you than I knew possible. I've learned that life shouldn't be so serious. I've learned that smashing things can be as fun as building them. I've learned that for some people, making friends is as easy as drinking water. And I've learned that it is possible to love someone else more deeply than your heart can handle.

You have great dreams of being everything, from a book illustrator to a police officer; a true testament to your thirst for learning. You are a fantastic story teller who is happiest when others are paying attention to what you have to share; something that will serve you well in the long-run. Your competitive spirit will lead you to great things, as long as you learn to leave some of that frustration behind. You let life and its events affect you deeply. And while this is at times an asset, I also hope that you learn to let go of the things you cannot control so that it does not eat away at your beautiful spirit.

But of everything you are and want to be, it is your ability to love others unconditionally that I most admire. Your desire for everyone to be friends and happy together, and your willingness to facilitate that happiness, that I find so beautiful and endearing.

There are so many things I can't wait to teach you. So many things I want you to know about and to experience. And there are so many other things I wait for you to teach me with your cute one-dimpled grin and infinitely curious ways.

My wishes for you are many. But most of all, I wish for you to know you are loved more than anyone has ever been loved. Happy birthday, my beautiful boy.