Takes My Breath Away

He's twelve. Deep breath. In and out.

Not six months...

Not two...

Not even six years...
Twelve. As in almost thirteen.

But what takes my breath away is not the mere passing of years. It is that this boy is becoming a man. A fine young man. I don't want to be a braggy blogger. But I just can't help it when it comes to my family. Tonight this dear boy tenderly encouraged his Momma in such a personal way, I'm not going to blog about it because it is only ours. But take my word for it, this boy is gonna make a great husband someday with that tenderness. Except he says he's never getting married. Maybe it's best that way because I fear I'll be one of those psycho mothers-in-law anyway who can't let go of her son.

Where was I? Oh yeah, bragging on Tate. This year we have watched him grow in responsibility. In loving his siblings. And in being able to be content with what he has. It has been a joy and privilege to see him blossom. We are proud of him. We learn from him. And we enjoy him. We know there will be hard days in our relationship with him. And he'd be the first to tell you that there have already been hard days. But on good days and on bad, we love this boy with all our hearts.

Happy Birthday, Tate. Thanks for letting us love you. And thanks for loving us back.