So the picture is a year old. I still really like it.
This year has been a rough year for that kid up there. It followed two of the toughest years I've ever faced in my time of being a parent - we've had tons of challenges, difficulties and struggles. Every time we leap over one hurdle, we turn around and trip over another, even more insurmountable one. Seriously, enough already, universe. You OWE us a good year or two.
Being a parent is RIDICULOUSLY difficult. Name a challenge, and I can probably give you not only a date that we faced it, but a laundry list of tips/tricks/cures/secrets/voodoo chicken dancing that we've tried to fix the situation.
Being a parent of a child who is struggling, and struggling hard to overcome things that other people a) don't see b) don't believe happen or exist or c) tell the parent, "Well, we don't see ANY evidence of this at all!" with the inference that the parent is lacking in basic, standard parenting skills - well, it makes it that much more difficult to keep a polite and sunny face.
But. Despite it all, that kid up there has remained a sweet and polite young person, one who is unfailing kind and caring, especially with those younger than himself. In fact, he will make an excellent father/big brother/uncle/baby sitter - he really shines in relationships that allow him to mentor. This child carries the weight of the world on his shoulders and worries incessantly about how he can fix things for which he is in no way to blame or responsible. He often sees that half full glass as "half full of something gross and probably bad for me, but I might as well have it to save everyone else from needing to deal wiith it", which can be trying -
but he gets up, every day, and looks each day dead in the eye and goes again.
He's brave.
And today, he is twelve. The baby that was more than two weeks late, who weighed just 7 pounds, born with blond curly hair and bright blue eyes exactly 2 months before Christmas - who now has darker close cut hair (because hair gel makes him insane and the cowlicks make me more nuts) and grayish blue eyes - the kid who works harder than just about anyone I know to overcome obstacles and gets defeated but gets back up again and again, that boy who loves Legos and Star Wars and reading and pizza and spaghetti and fruit and veggies more than life itself -
That boy is TWELVE.
And I love him more than life itself. Happy Birthday to an inspiring, handsome, and wise young man that I am blessed to have in my life. Love you to the moon and back kiddo! Anna
Posted by: Angela | October 25, 2011 at 03:34 PM
He reminds me of my daughter, and he sounds like the type of boy I would like to know. Happy birthday young man!
Posted by: Laura H. | October 25, 2011 at 03:45 PM
An amazing young man indeed - Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: addy | October 25, 2011 at 03:57 PM
such a good mom-you know what is important in a child and you are wise to foster those qualities. happy birthday to your son!
Posted by: Lisa | October 25, 2011 at 04:36 PM
Happy 12th Birthday to him!! I'm finding twelve is such a cool age .... even with my 12yo being autistic. He's just so cool and fun at this age. But maybe that's the maturity and the lessening of some of his worse symptoms of autism.
He sounds like an awesome kid!
Posted by: Jenn | October 25, 2011 at 04:38 PM
Happy Birthday, Gabe! You are a great kiddo and a superb fisherman. Your family in Texas loves you SO much and can't wait to see you again!
Posted by: Grandpa John and Lori | October 25, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Happy Birthday to you both! And here's to some stellar years to come!
Posted by: Angie | October 25, 2011 at 07:21 PM
Happy Birthday to your sweet Gabriel!
May God grant him many years. He's such a sweetie, and he has been blessed with some mighty good traits!
Posted by: xenia katie | October 25, 2011 at 08:21 PM
Happy Birthday Gabriel! My girls adore you. Thanks for being such a good friend.
Posted by: Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith | October 25, 2011 at 08:39 PM
Happy happy happy birthday, Gabe! Someday I hope that you will get to meet my son. He'll be 12 in a month. You'd be great pals, I just know it.
Posted by: Headless Mom | October 26, 2011 at 01:30 AM
Happy 12th Birthday Gabe!
Posted by: Brandy | October 26, 2011 at 03:09 PM
Wow, time sure does fly by. I remember babysitting Mac when you were in labor with him. Happy Birthday big guy. Remember that each "hurdle" you and he have endured also makes you that much stronger! Keep the Faith!
Posted by: Gerrie | October 26, 2011 at 03:40 PM
Happy birthday to Gabe! He sounds like such an awesome kid. We need more people like him in the world.
Posted by: Megan | October 26, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Happy Birthday, 12 year old! I don't know you, but your mom just wrote the most amazing tribute to your awesomeness. I hope you have a great year!
Posted by: jadine | October 26, 2011 at 11:26 PM
Happy Birthday, Gabe! My oldest son will be 12 in 6 months - I'm loving this age.
Carmen, read this this morning and thought it might interest you:
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/27697/
I don't know you, I've commented occasionally (on extracurricular activities, I think, where I don't share your views) but you seem to give your kids what makes for healthy, good adults- care and LOVE. Congratulations.
Marta from Lisbon, Portugal
Posted by: marta | October 28, 2011 at 06:28 AM