It's easy as a parent to see yourself in your child - their personality, physical features - eye color, hair; attitude, smarts, etc. This means we tend to jump to conclusions or assume that our child can or can't do things that we can or can't do. For example, I am musical and my husband is musical so our children should like and play music. Or into sports, or math or blah blah blah. Fill in the blanks. Then sometimes our children remind us that they are going to be talented in areas where we have no skills, they understand things at their age that we didn't ten years later, they aren't interested in the things that most interest us (ha!), that our best subject is their worst and that we should always be careful never to underestimate them...because they will constantly surprise and impress us.
This post is to say Happy Birthday to my now 8 year old son who constantly surprises me and reminds me that I should always expect more from him. Yes, he was born on the fifth anniversary of 9/11 (that was an adventure) and I love all these things about him...(his last birthday post)...now, I want to thank him for keeping life interesting :)
Paulito, thank you for...
- not caring what other people think about you. I love that you do what you want and don't worry how people see you. I pray you keep that uniqueness!
- remembering everything I say I'll do and holding me accountable. lol. I need the help :)
- being sensitive and caring about other people and animals.
- not being afraid to try new things.
- your sense of humor and helping me not take things seriously all the time :)
- making me feel loved and needed :)
- taking learning seriously...even though you don't always want to.
- loving your family and making them a priority in your life. I pray you always do.
- showing me that even though you are introverted you will step out of your comfort zone when you need to. You help me do the same :)
- having big dreams and trusting that God will help you achieve them.
- not being afraid to share your faith and belief in God
- doing little things to help out - like cleaning without being told, or emptying the dishwasher when I'm not looking...at least the things you can reach :)
- holding yourself accountable - I pray you always accept responsibility for the good and bad things that you do.
- being a loving and thoughtful son who brightens my mood...you are incredible. And as I've told you since you were 2...you will always be my little boy :) even when you're 30 ;)
- remembering everything I say I'll do and holding me accountable. lol. I need the help :)
- being sensitive and caring about other people and animals.
- remembering every rule in everything always :)
- taking learning seriously...even though you don't always want to.
- loving your family and making them a priority in your life. I pray you always do.
- showing me that even though you are introverted you will step out of your comfort zone when you need to. You help me do the same :)
- having big dreams and trusting that God will help you achieve them.
- not being afraid to share your faith and belief in God
- holding yourself accountable - I pray you always accept responsibility for the good and bad things that you do.
- being a loving and thoughtful son who brightens my mood...you are incredible. And as I've told you since you were 2...you will always be my little boy :) even when you're 30 ;)
God bless you buddy!
With love always,
Mama
