Good morning, Birthday Boy!
Happy 18th birthday!
Okay, yes, you were only turning 17 today but seeing as how you’ve been telling everyone for months you were already 18 I just figured we would celebrate it accordingly and give you two 18th birthdays. As long as you are happy, the technicalities have never been important.
Since the day I met you, I’ve looked forward to your birthday: it was already my favorite day of the year and just got better. Family, fireworks and a day to spoil my Tanner and watch you grin.
I wish I had spoiled you every single day.
Your childlike spirit made every birthday more special than the last. I loved the fact you would wear your birthday pin for the entire month of July and embrace every “happy birthday” that came your way — whether friends friends or strangers — with big hugs and high fives. Your unabashed joy over simple Power Rangers toys and Hot Wheels cars made presents a highlight.
Every year it was a special task to find a new way to surprise you — whether it was making a stacked-cup castle for you to wake up to, a treasure hunt around town, or a special day with friends at Boomers I would do anything to see your face light up.
I think doing for you was so much fun because I knew it was unexpected and unnecessary: you were always going to be happy just because. Bringing joy and smiles to the child who brought us nothing but joy and smiles was a gift I was blessed to give.
I’m not going to pretend my heart isn’t breaking this morning. I yearn to hear you say “Tanner birtday?!” and watch you get excited. “Friends?! Play?!” you should be asking. I hope Jesus gave you a birthday pin to wear. I hope there’s a huge, grand party with all of your new friends. I hope everyone up there whose birthday fell on today understands it’s really all about you.
And, Birthday Boy? If I promise to try not to let you see me cry, think you can pay me a visit today? My heart desperately needs to feel you.
I love you, baby. More than you ever knew.
Today, we will celebrate for you. We started a new tradition and put out 17 flags in the front lawn for you. It’s just a little thing but makes me smile when I pass it. And we got your birthday balloons: Frozen princesses of course. We’re all headed to Boomers soon where we celebrate your birthday with you in our hearts instead of our sights.
Happy birthday, baby… how old are you, again?
That’s right: “Eight. Teen.”
Dance, birthday boy. Dance.
Love,
The Luckiest Mom in the World
