Colton, you were "golden" way before you turned 14 years, on this 14th day in May. But you are so excited for this day! You just want to take some buddies golfing and then go out for pizza. You simply wanted "time" with your friends doing what you love to do. You didn't even ask for anything from us for your big day- no gifts. Of course, that makes it all that much easier to get a little something for you. True to who you are, your eyes light up and I'm really lucky, because you're nose crinkled for me too. While sorting through some old things you really liked the old clock radio that Grandpa Willard used to have. When you discovered we found one you could also charge your phone on? Pure bonus!
Going back through your early years is such a treat for me.
You were such a "big" baby we called you "Bubba" for the longest time, but to see your long and lean limbs and torso these days, Bubba just doesn't cut it anymore.
You are your mother's son. You are the peace keeper, the calm maker and the care taker. You have bonded to me fiercely and are the first to throw your arms around me unabashedly. I love how open and generous your spirit is. You're the first to curl up with me when I rest and then you look at me with your big doe eyes and long lashes and say so sweetly "Can we please watch my show?" It doesn't matter what I am in the middle of watching, how can I resist those eyes?
Those same eyes that laser right through when you are mad. Your nose crinkles at the top, your eyes light on fire and then your nostrils flare- we call those "Power Ranger" eyes and whoever is your target is in trouble when you reach your boiling point. But less and less often those big doe eyes fill with crocodile tears first, and if they start to spill, mom is still the first thing you seek. My heart still beats an extra beat when I see those tears that melt me on the spot.
More than anything, you're funny as heck and crack us up with the things you say. I went back and found this little gem from several years ago. We called it...
Dear Colton's future wife,
When Colton tells you one day that "meatloaf" has chocolate spread over the top of it, could you just go along with him? Oh, and nod your head when he tells you his mother made it with ham? I've stood on my head so many times trying to get the boys to try various dishes I make for supper. Colton has always had an aversion to meat. But I am learning that if you give a dish a creative name, like "sugar-and-chocolate-covered-no-thats-not-meat-underneath-surprise-loaf," you stand half a chance that they will take a bite. So what if he only heard the "ham" part of the hamburger. And I can get by with calling brown sugar and ketchup "chocolate." Please, future wife, forgive me.
You were such a "big" baby we called you "Bubba" for the longest time, but to see your long and lean limbs and torso these days, Bubba just doesn't cut it anymore.
You are your mother's son. You are the peace keeper, the calm maker and the care taker. You have bonded to me fiercely and are the first to throw your arms around me unabashedly. I love how open and generous your spirit is. You're the first to curl up with me when I rest and then you look at me with your big doe eyes and long lashes and say so sweetly "Can we please watch my show?" It doesn't matter what I am in the middle of watching, how can I resist those eyes?
Those same eyes that laser right through when you are mad. Your nose crinkles at the top, your eyes light on fire and then your nostrils flare- we call those "Power Ranger" eyes and whoever is your target is in trouble when you reach your boiling point. But less and less often those big doe eyes fill with crocodile tears first, and if they start to spill, mom is still the first thing you seek. My heart still beats an extra beat when I see those tears that melt me on the spot.
More than anything, you're funny as heck and crack us up with the things you say. I went back and found this little gem from several years ago. We called it...
Dear Colton's future wife,
When Colton tells you one day that "meatloaf" has chocolate spread over the top of it, could you just go along with him? Oh, and nod your head when he tells you his mother made it with ham? I've stood on my head so many times trying to get the boys to try various dishes I make for supper. Colton has always had an aversion to meat. But I am learning that if you give a dish a creative name, like "sugar-and-chocolate-covered-no-thats-not-meat-underneath-surprise-loaf," you stand half a chance that they will take a bite. So what if he only heard the "ham" part of the hamburger. And I can get by with calling brown sugar and ketchup "chocolate." Please, future wife, forgive me.
The little turkey ate 4 pieces and swears its his favorite meal EVER. It was such a hit, just wait till you see what we're having tomorrow night... "hey-thats-not-tuna, noodle casserole, with yep- those-are-green-skittles-inside."
Flash forward to today. He is still thin as a rail, although he has shot up to almost looking me right in the eye. While he still leads with his whole heart, some things have changed. Golf and pizza are waiting until tomorrow. But for his meal with his family today? We're going to Buffalo Wild Wings. The kid has suddenly gone crazy over eating, meat!
To the moon and back- Bubba Jack- love you- all the way there and back.
Tonight, my friend Roxane and I are headed off to the Carmel Monastery for a couple of days of retreat.
I always bring along prayer requests that the Sisters so graciously receive. Does anyone have a request for prayers? Please leave in comments below.
I'll be back in time for a doctor appointment and infusion on Tuesday... and hopefully picture galore from Carmel.
~all shall be well~
