Gladitude Monday: Birthday Edition

On July 13th at 9:51 a.m., weighing in at 7 lbs. 13 oz, you arrived, and I officially became an adult. Well, that's not entirely true. I suppose I was an adult before this, but I became an adult who henceforth started wearing my heart on the outside of my body on the day you were born.





My incredible, amazing son, this Gladitude's for you. And I thought, in celebration of you're becoming a teenager, 13 gladdies would be fun, instead of my usual 10.





13. I'm glad you have healthy interest have a deep, burning, abiding obsession of all things history. Further...I'm glad that EVERY era is your favorite. I know WWII has a special place in your heart b/c of all the cool planes and battles, but it seems every morsel of military history is included in the package of extreme historic lurvage. Additionally, I'm glad your love of history has made you interested in global news of today. Our world needs thinkers like you.





12. I'm glad that you enjoy your Star Wars Role Playing Games. Even though I'm little more than a bobblehead with this interest--I try, son, I do--your passion is contagious, and I only wish that there were more boys your age in the area who were as passionate about all the Star Wars generations and species of folks as you are. I know I'm not even calling them the right things, so I'm moving on.





11. I'm glad that, though you've had your ups and downs, and sometimes this has included your spending more time with good old mom than you probably would've liked, we genuinely enjoy being together. I really like our car rides and listening to music together. It's fun to listen for the bass line together in songs, now that you're playing bass (a.k.a. "Fish").





10. I'm glad that you've been extraordinarily easy for me to dress. I simply buy shirts of several different colors, sans tags, of course, and make sure you have jeans, underwear, and one pair of decidedly foul shoes. Your needs are simple. We fight when it comes down to silly things like belts, socks, and buttondown shirts, so it's a good thing your life seldom requires them. :)





9. Your memory of lines heard only one time, whether in song, on TV, or in the movies totally slays me, David. It's spot on. Right now, I'm glad you like "Doug the Dog" from the movie UP.





8. And we both know...and are glad about...the person you resemble the most on TV:
Yes, Sheldon, David, you are quite the enigma. And I mean that in the most positive way. We cannot always figure you out, but God knows who you're meant to be. You are your own person. One of my favorite quotes from this show tickles you, too:

"Oh, were you trying to do small talk, sweetie?"

Small talk may not be your forte, but you're authentic, and funny, and think deeply. I s'pose you can leave the small talk to others.

7. Glad that you've been bitten by the acting bug once or twice, and your aforementioned memory makes me more than a little jealous for the times when I must memorize lines. It seems as if you're growing more into a behind the scenes artist (e.g. media), and I'm excited to see where that will take you.

"Romulus" 4th Grade

"Willy Wonka" 5th grade

6. Your love of animals makes me glad, David. I think it speaks to the gentleness in your nature and the type of man you'll be. When I'm fed up with the dogs, you always have something sweet to say about them. Darn it. ;)

5. The fact that you still sleep with don't kill me now, son Gus the one-eyed-no-nosed grizzly bear and defended his honor against some 5th grade meanies who denied his being "real" make my heart gladdened, indeed. Gus is now 12, since got him for you adopted him when you were 1. Wonder how long he'll stay together?

4. You've had to go through some really hard things this past year, David, including switching schools after feeling like you were kicked out of one. How I wish I could've erased the pain of that experience. But you know what? In a way, I'm glad for it. It's shown me that God is so faithful in you and with us all. You're in a new, great school now, and more than that...we're all learning to love and revere how you're made. Because God doesn't make junk. It's hard, son, not to feel "normal", but I assure you...there is no such thing.

3. Your differences have made you keenly aware of other's suffering and/or difficulties as well. Who wouldn't be so grateful for that. You're the biggest champion of other kids who don't fit the "normal" label that I know. Know that you make a difference when you treat folks gently and without preconceived notions, son.

2. I'm grateful for your love of God. I know you're frustrated when church is too loud or when folks sometimes tease you or when you feel like the message is boring because you've heard it before. Your love of God shows your gratitude for your life, and allows Him to see your faithfulness. He will never leave you, David. How glad I am that you know this. Grasp firmly to His truths.

1. In all my heart, I cannot fathom how we've gotten from here:

To here:

Happy 13th Birthday, Son. I couldn't love you more if I tried. I'm so glad you made me a parent for the first time. Love, Mom.