And then he turned eleven

Time flies, regardless of what we do, or where we concentrate our focus. Lately, mine rested firmly in his illness, the headaches, and all the negatives of today. So much so, it turns out, that we barely celebrated his birthday on Saturday. At the last minute, he asked if we could please do something magical. I turned on an Enya song the kids used to fall asleep to, the three of us sat on his bed, and we simply connected - became present and fully In the Moment. Amazingly, the song ended and in the second that the clock turned to the hour and minute of his birth eleven short years ago - utter quite and Peace filled the room. None of us could have planned this, yet the timing was perfect. In the span of three minutes we transitioned from the chaotic, frustrated, almost angry feeling of recent days to a peaceful, fully present and connected moment of togetherness that carried us to the exact moment of his eleventh birthday. My son asked for something magical, and in the end - he gifted us all with the most inspiring magical moment possible.

I look at you and marvel, at how quickly you've grown, at the deep thinker and intuitive mind you bring to this world, and I catch brief glimpses of the wonders and gifts you come prepared to share with those around you. I see so much in you, and find every bit awe inspiring - a natural leader, healer, a caring friend with ears and a heart that truly listen and seek understanding, an innovator seeking new and before unseen approaches to both everyday and complex problems. I find myself excited to watch you grow into the adult I know you'll become, and simultaneously committed to slowing down the inevitable nearness of that day. That you bring a vast array of gifts and an abundance of love and creativity into the world and to your family and loved ones goes without saying. All who meet and get to know you sense in an instant the import of your presence in our lives. At the same time, I sense the excitement of much that remains unseen, itching just below the surface to spread great waves of inspiration and good fortune through your actions and work in the decades ahead of you.



I am so grateful for you, for your presence in my life, and the gift or your existence. Happy Birthday Bear!

Always and Forever,
Mom