Happy Birthday Goose!

 Goose. 

Last Picture as a 10-year-old

How are you 11? How is it possible? But even more so how is it possible that it might not actually rain today? That was a good run of it always raining on your birthday!

This past year has pushed you. You've really had to start figuring it all out. We've dealt with big feelings and big situations and you have navigated them well. People will always be mean, but you can always react kindly. That's the biggest takeaway. 

You have grown taller but also as a person. You've started to take responsibility for your own laundry some of the time and where I am the most pleased with your responsibility growth is advocating for yourself, asking for what you need and doing your own homework and projects with little help and guidance. 

Actually, as it turns out, having the first big 4th grade project due right as we were coming back from Disney World really benefited you and me. It helped me let go, and let you do your own thing a little bit. What a good life lesson for both of us. 

Speaking of Disney World. Oh Goose. I couldn't love you at Disney any more. Everything was the most exciting. (Except trying to get you to wear a poncho sucked. Let's be real.) Watching you take it all in was just the absolute best. You are such a gift to our family. Even when you push us in ways we can't predict.

Seeing you on stage this year was so wonderful. You have actual talent and I see the little director in you blooming. Always keep trying and working hard. Always. 

Having you become an altar server is a joy too. I love that you love the Lord and mostly, I love when I joke with you about becoming a priest one day, you're open to listening where the Spirit calls you. Sitting with you at school Mass every week has been such a treat for me. It might be the very best part of my job in fact. 

Today is your birthday and I couldn't love you more. I am so glad you're still snuggly. I am so glad you're mine. Thank you Goose for being mine. I can't wait to celebrate you this weekend! 

Love, Mom

First Picture as an 11-year-old