the toenail An Important Part Of The Whole

You loved your pacifiers (bippies).
And you loved your food.
You would yell for more between spoonfuls of smashed peas and ham.

You were independent, as long as someone was around.
You never liked to be alone.
You found security in rocking to sleep, in having the light on.

Bugs and rocks and all things boy occupied your attention.
You loved the ocean and the outdoors.
Your first pets were hermit crabs named Meow and Bark.

You accepted the name of Big Brother with pride, more than once.
Bike rides through the woods and afternoons in the “bamboo forest”
were some of the important things you shared with your siblings.

From baseball to skateboards and from weight training to cycling,
you were constantly in motion.
You once bit through your tongue on dismount from a trampoline.

You created many a song in the backyard treehouse,
strumming a mismatched tune on your guitar.
You loved to write poetry.

And now look at you!
I can’t believe it’s been twenty years already.
But I’m not surprised one bit at who you are today.

You still like your food, though you’ve acquired a more international palate.
You’re still very independent, yet confidently never alone.
The outdoors are a part of who you are, birthed restless into a world to be explored
You still teach your brothers all of the important things, as they observe your walk, even from afar.
An intercontinental marathon and unicycle have been added to your activities portfolio.
And truth in lyric continues to flow from you, a gift to us all.

I’m so thankful for you, son, and blessed beyond measure in being your mom.
Happy Birthday.
I love you, always & forever.