Dear Parker,
As I type this post, I am looking at the photo of the four of you kids taken before Caleb could even crawl. You are lined up on your bellies, staring at the camera. Caleb is drooling, Jack is grinning, Maddie is cupping both cheeks with her hands like an angel, and you? You look as you always do, as if the the wheels in your head are turning, but your lips are sealed. You are always thinking, considering and considerate.
In the 11 years you've been on this earth, much has changed in your life, but much about you has remained consistent. You are so brave, son. I think of the way you jumped right into baseball this season. It may not seem like a big deal to some, but it really is. You might have played tee ball once when we lived in Texas years ago. We didn't play in Singapore because the only league was just too far north (where most Americans lived). When we got back here and you expressed an interest, your dad and I were on the fence. We didn't want to quash your dreams, but let's face it, most kids your age have been playing for nearly a decade, and it's a pretty technical sport. We talked to you and each other and God, finally deciding to let you play. I was more nervous than you. Kids can be cruel. Would they make fun of you? Would they be put out by the kid on the team who might not even hit the ball?
You went to the evaluations and were placed on a team. After the first few practices, the coach talked to us about placing you with a younger age group due to your skill level. The league decided to evaluate you again. The coach, league leaders, and dad were all there. They were all so impressed with your coachability. [Yes, I know that's not a word, but it's my blog, and it should be.] It's one of the things I love most about you. It is a skill most do not possess. I certainly don't. You have this ability to really listen to others when receiving feedback, positive or negative. You absorb the information, process it, and make changes. Son, seriously, this skill is going to help carry you through some rough stuff and leave you all the better for it.
The way you've handled yourself in baseball is just one of the many ways you've amazed me during this year of transitioning back to the U.S. It has been tough. You have missed your friends and the familiarity of Singapore. The differences between east and west are still great even in our very connected world. I know it's been challenging for you to assimilate all the aspects of your life, and sweetie, I'm so proud of you and how you've handled it. You are an amazing kid.
You are humble, quick to admit your weaknesses. You are bold, always willing to try new things. You are inclusive, never wanting others to feel left out. You are multifaceted, are able to juggle your varied hobbies and roles (athlete, fantasy battler, video gamer, outdoorsman, friend, brother). Best of all, you are mine.
Parker, dear, I thank God all the time for making you my son. I love you, sweet boy. Happy, happy, happiest 11th birthday.
Love,
Momma
As I type this post, I am looking at the photo of the four of you kids taken before Caleb could even crawl. You are lined up on your bellies, staring at the camera. Caleb is drooling, Jack is grinning, Maddie is cupping both cheeks with her hands like an angel, and you? You look as you always do, as if the the wheels in your head are turning, but your lips are sealed. You are always thinking, considering and considerate.
In the 11 years you've been on this earth, much has changed in your life, but much about you has remained consistent. You are so brave, son. I think of the way you jumped right into baseball this season. It may not seem like a big deal to some, but it really is. You might have played tee ball once when we lived in Texas years ago. We didn't play in Singapore because the only league was just too far north (where most Americans lived). When we got back here and you expressed an interest, your dad and I were on the fence. We didn't want to quash your dreams, but let's face it, most kids your age have been playing for nearly a decade, and it's a pretty technical sport. We talked to you and each other and God, finally deciding to let you play. I was more nervous than you. Kids can be cruel. Would they make fun of you? Would they be put out by the kid on the team who might not even hit the ball?
You went to the evaluations and were placed on a team. After the first few practices, the coach talked to us about placing you with a younger age group due to your skill level. The league decided to evaluate you again. The coach, league leaders, and dad were all there. They were all so impressed with your coachability. [Yes, I know that's not a word, but it's my blog, and it should be.] It's one of the things I love most about you. It is a skill most do not possess. I certainly don't. You have this ability to really listen to others when receiving feedback, positive or negative. You absorb the information, process it, and make changes. Son, seriously, this skill is going to help carry you through some rough stuff and leave you all the better for it.
The way you've handled yourself in baseball is just one of the many ways you've amazed me during this year of transitioning back to the U.S. It has been tough. You have missed your friends and the familiarity of Singapore. The differences between east and west are still great even in our very connected world. I know it's been challenging for you to assimilate all the aspects of your life, and sweetie, I'm so proud of you and how you've handled it. You are an amazing kid.
You are humble, quick to admit your weaknesses. You are bold, always willing to try new things. You are inclusive, never wanting others to feel left out. You are multifaceted, are able to juggle your varied hobbies and roles (athlete, fantasy battler, video gamer, outdoorsman, friend, brother). Best of all, you are mine.
Parker, dear, I thank God all the time for making you my son. I love you, sweet boy. Happy, happy, happiest 11th birthday.
Love,
Momma
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