It’s finally here, Felipe. You’ve been counting the days for several weeks. 18 days to my birthday; 21 days to Christmas… And I’ve wondered how you feel about sharing your birthday with the Christmas season; if you feel overshadowed somehow. Like Nils with Halloween. But no. I don’t think so. I think it suits you to celebrate your special day during the most wonderful time of the year.
After all – your “F” does hang at the very top of the tree. Just under the star. I laughed when I saw it hanging there, and I understood. Yes, Felipe, you are a star, to be sure.
Lately you’ve been shining just a bit brighter. I’ve been noticing that, too. What is it, do you think? Your birthday and Christmas, back-to-back? Luke coming home for a long winter break? Vacation for you, starting tomorrow? Or something else?
Last week while we were at the basketball games you were at home painting a picture. A masterpiece. You sent us a text, and we couldn’t help showing it off to our friends in the bleachers. They were totally impressed, just like you hoped. Amazing! He did that himself? Tonight? Yes. An original, too. Not even a picture to follow.
I am quite certain we have only begun to discover the scope of your gifts. Your brilliant mind. Love of nature. Love of family. Perceptive eye.
And your love of sugar. Okay, that may not be a gift. Actually, Luke is worried about you. I think he questions his mom’s wisdom in giving in to your sweet tooth so much. But this past year’s had its share of hard, and I figure we can all use a little extra sweet. Right?
Can you believe it’s already been a year? Just seven days to our adoption day. We became a family just one week after your sixteenth birthday. And here you are, turning seventeen.
Seventeen. You’re almost man. And that is becoming obvious in so many ways. And yet. I guess what I’d really like to give you this birthday is permission to go slow. Be a kid in our home for a while yet. Take your time. You have the rest of your life for adulthood. So for now — Play. Laugh. Rest. Enjoy.
One more thing. I want to be sure you know how glad I am to be your mom. I’m glad God chose me and dad and our family for you. I’m amazed, really, at the privilege. That out of all the families in the world, God chose us for you. That He hung your “F” at the top of our tree.
Happy Birthday, Felipe. I love you. Mom.
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