Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Dear Chase

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Dear Chase,

Please forgive me for the fact that this letter is two weeks late. What can I say? Life has not been on our side lately and it's been tough to fit it all in.

You had a great birthday this year, though your wish list was a bit tough for me initially. You did not ask for easy gifts like Legos or Nerf guns. Oh no, not you. What you wanted was a real lighter used by a soldier on the beach at Normandy during World War II. And armor from ancient Rome.

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Not necessarily items one can pick up at the local Target, if you know what I mean.

But I did surprise you with those old magazines and an antique camera, as well as a few more modern delights. The look on your face when you opened them was priceless. Your joy was evident and I have caught you several times tinkering and exploring your new toys. I still shake my head in awe that an 11-year-old boy would ask for such antiquities, not to mention be thrilled to death to receive them. Man, I love your individuality, kid.

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Speaking of your quirks, when I went back through my photo archives to find some pictures for this post, I noticed that you are wearing the same shirt in practically EVERY. SINGLE. PICTURE I have taken of you in the past year. I know I wash that shirt twice a week, but that's because you wear it twice a week. It's your favorite and the new shirts in your closet can never match up. First thing out of the laundry, that shark-caging souvenir tee from Hawaii graces your bony shoulders.

You are who you are.

And I wouldn't trade your quirks for all the riches in the world.

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You make our life very interesting, Chase. You keep us on our toes with your wit and intelligence. It is never dull around here because of you. One of my favorite things to see is your one, lone dimple, lit up by a huge smile, topped off with your sparkling baby blues. Your happiness is contagious. Your laughter fills the room and spreads to everyone around you.

You inspire me to be a better mom. May I one day be worthy of the gift that is your incredible spirit.

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Love,

Mama

11 comments:

jen@odbt said...

Needing tissues here. Happy Birthday to Chase! What a beautiful letter that I know he'll appreciate reading. PS: There are favorite shirts here too. I bet our teachers wonder if we do laundry around here.

Annemarie said...

What a good looking and all around good boy you have there!

I love, love, love that picture with the teddy bear!

Juli said...

Awe... Now I'm crying... fabulous post as always Christie. -J

brooke said...

His cute dimple was the first thing I noticed. He is a special kid. I love how he his fascinated with war history. You are a pretty great mom to find him those unique gifts as well.

Becky said...

Great tribute to a great boy. He looks old in that last one. I can already see him as a teenager. Yikes!

Lauren in GA said...

Such a lovely letter! He is such an amazing young man. I love his birthday present wish list. I can see why you are fond of his dimple and those eyes. I would be powerless against those!

jessica said...

Chase sounds like an awesome kid. I love his individuality and I love how you embrace it...that t-shirt is killing me! Maya has a favorite...it's white with surf boards on it. You gotta love those souvenier shirts...Thanks Hawaii!

Sara said...

"may i one day be worthy of the gift that is your incredible spirit" geez, that's some good writing.

I liked seeing my creed in there.

Amanda D said...

Happy belated birthday to your handsome son. I love that he wanted something totally off the wall. :)

Cynthia said...

My husband has that exact same blue shirt from Hawaii, and it runs through our laundry a lot too.
You have adorable kids.

Travelin'Oma said...

This boy is a doll!