Seventeen Rides Around the Sun

 

Dear Satchel,

Happy 17th ride around the sun!  Happy nine hundred and twenty-eight million miles (9,928,000,000)!

This year you went back to in-person learning even tho we are still in a pandemic and you have been a shining example to others by diligently wearing your N95.  By doing so you've modeled key values: responsibility for your health and safety as well as compassion for others.  This past year you have made National Honor Society, you got your Learner's Permit, and landed a scholarship for a job shadowing program.  I am proud of all you have accomplished.  You have pushed through your anxiety to achieve so much.

Your interests this year are playing guitar, drawing, gaming (your new favorites are Wordle and Cats & Soup.) and making all manner of things.  Your taste in music is wonderful, and I love how you can find new music that I would like. 

This year we spent your birthday eve watching Stranger Things season 4 and eating themed vegetarian junk food with Upside Down Sundaes for dessert.   Today we will keep our tradition of going out to eat on your special day and I made the dirt cake that you requested. 

Today is your birthday, the day that changed my life in the most beautiful ways imaginable. 

Seventeen years ago today you entered this world in time for brunch.  The window to our room faced Little Italy, which we snarkily called micro Italy because it was so small in comparison to NYC.  The sun was shining and there was a bird on the window ledge looking in at us.  I could hear the nurses talking about how "what a cutie" you were and one of them said, "OMG he knows his name".  I told her that we talked to you by name during the entire pregnancy.  You were so calm, so aware, taking in all the new sights and sounds.  It was an extraordinarily beautiful day.

On this anniversary of your birth, may you always know how deeply loved and admired you are....and that I celebrate you...today and every day!

Thank you for being my son.
Thank you for the reciprocal gift of unconditional love and all the ways you show it.  



(for beautiful you are my world, my true)



Happy 17th ride around the sun, dear Satchel!

All my love,
Mama
(Posted at the time of your birth)

 

Reading his annual birthday letter.

I forgot to buy candles, but luckily had this
leftover frog candle from when he was a tot.

May all his wishes come true!