Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Happy birthday, little blue-eyed boy

Dear Chase,

Today at exactly 8:23 this morning, you turned nine. You were very insistent that you were not nine until the clock hit those magic numbers, which signaled your entrance into the world all those years ago. No amount of convincing by your brother could entice you to admit that you were nine, even one minute too soon.

I didn't have the heart to tell you that you were born on west coast time. I let you be nine, two whole hours early.

I know, don't be mad.

We celebrated your birthday early this year, as Dad was going to be out of town today. You, ever the middle child, didn't mind one bit. You were thrilled to be getting presents early. Presents, which included a live pet from me.

Yes, I finally made good on that hasty-made promise of letting you one day own something that's alive. I hope you like your little hermit crab. And I fervently hope that it never gets lost in your room or dies, as other pets have done traumatically in the past.


Chase, you are filled with more creative energy than I have ever seen. Your mind is always working, always thinking. I like to watch you when you are drifting off to that place inside your head, where your dreams are made. You squint your eyes, and I can tell that worlds are being created by your imagination. There is no limit to what you will do, of this I am sure.

You constantly amuse me. We have been asking you for weeks what you want for your birthday, and the two things you have said are a pet and a typewriter. You got both, and it cracks me up to see you at the desk in your room, plunking away on that ancient piece of machinery, courtesy of Oma and e-Bay. You take your writing quite seriously, and it will not surprise me at all when you one day churn out that bestseller.

I love that you like old things. I think it's a rare child that can look past the glaring siren song of cheaply-made plastic crap from China and seek out things with substance. Things that still work, even after probably spending 30 dusty years in someone's basement.


You are my hero, and I love your individuality. I love you for not caring what anyone thinks of you. I love you for dreaming big. I love you for your passion, even when it leads you lecture me for my giant carbon footprint.

I love you, kid. And I owe the good Lord for sending such a tender soul to be in my care. I don't know what I ever did to deserve you. May I one day be worthy of such trust.

Love,

Mama

33 comments:

Joy & Casey said...

Oh....what a sweet boy! And what a sweet mom! YOU are such a talented writer...must be Mr Fisher's influence!!! KIDDING I really love to read your blog-you are amazing woman! I am grateful to call you my friend-you have been such a great friend to me for so many years! Enjoy your son's bday!

the wrath of khandrea said...

you make me want to be your son. he rocks, and you really love him. sounds like a good life.

and yeah, clean up your carbon footprint.

Jana said...

He is such a fun boy! We are glad he is our friend!

Becky said...

Cute and handsome little man. Happy Birthday Chase. Write on with that typewriter!

♥Shally said...

I love that last picture!

I also love reading letters to children, because I know they come from the heart and will be treasured for years to come.

You got him a hermit crab? BORING. Get the poor kid a real pet... :) (I have an extra cat if you want her... )

TheCatLord said...

happy birthday to a wonderful kid! these photos are great!

Annemarie said...

Cute, cute boy! Nine year olds are the BEST!!

Unknown said...

Sounds like the future is bright for your little handsome man! Happy Birthday, Chase!

Hillary said...

he is too handsome for his own good. hopefully he won't be interested for a looong time :)

Hillary said...

I mean interested in girls.... long day so far and the kids aren't even home from school yet!

Melissa Angert {All Things Chic} said...

so sweet! happy birthday to your boy!

CJ, The Purple Diva said...

what a sweet mommy you are to him! I hope he knows how lucky he is to have you for his mommy! He's just such a cuties!
Happy Birthday little guy!

Liz said...

Happy Birthday Chase! I hope you write a story about your hermit crab and that your mom posts it here.

diane said...

It seems like yesterday my boy was nine. Now, he's nineteen and on a mission. Enjoy your boy.

Kimberly said...

I love your sentimental posts to your kids...they are always so sweet! Happy Birthday, Chase!

Bridget said...

Happy birthday Chase! Maren beat you by 37 minutes. Oh, but he has one more year, too. Please make him fall in love with Maren. The babies would be so beautiful.

Michael said...

Happy Birthday, Chase!

Linsey said...

What a sweet boy. Happy Birthday!

Lauren in GA said...

Oh, I loved this beautiful birthday tribute to him. I betcha he will be a great writer one day, too...especially if he writes like his Momma :) What a great young man.

danandcindy said...

Happy Birthday Chase!

Zana said...

Hey Christie, here is my very little blog...http://jamesandzana.blogspot.com/
Loved the Trucker post and your Chase is too handsome!

Jake said...

You and Josh really made the most adorable (yet totally different) boys ever! Why did you stop production?!!!

I'm kidding.

Happy happy (late) birthday, Chase! Whenever we see frogs we think of you.

kathi said...

Happy Happy Birthday Chase, Grandpa and I love you so very much!!!!!!!

Annie said...

Oh, I love that boy. Please wish him happyhappy from us.

And I LOVE that he requested a typewriter! He'll be the next Hemingway.

queenieweenie said...

oooohhhhh...nine year old boys are THE BEST!

Anonymous said...

Yup, he's handsome. I love that he wanted a typewriter. He is like John-Boy Walton.

Wendi said...

Gorgeous child!!!

Beautiful post!!!

tarable said...

Oh, and the dimples! He will be a heartbreaker. And sounds like a rich and famous one too. Happy Birthday to your boy.

Diane said...

Such a heart-felt birthday tribute to your boy. I loved it! Happy birthday Chase.

Chatter said...

Happy Birthday Chase. Stie, I am so envious of your writing skills. The post was beautiful and you put your thoughts together wonderfully!

Kristy said...

What a stinkin cute kid! Why do they have to get big?

calibosmom said...

Hi my name is Hannah and I am 9 years old and actually my mom is writing this but I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday because you are cute and I want to meet you someday...

Dalene said...

So, your babies growing up isn't all that sad?