Dear Zachary,
Thirteen on the thirteenth!! It seems impossible that thirteen years ago today, I was on bedrest thinking I had another month to go until you were born. Little did I know that you would be ready to make your arrival that very night. That night we became a party of five. Some people don't like odd numbers, but I think five is the perfect number. Five senses, five fingers, five toes, Joe Flacco's jersey number, and the number of people who make up our family. On that cold January night, you did what no one else in the world could do, you came into this world and made our family whole. I had my bookend boys and my girl in the middle. And I know I say it all the time, but time goes by too quickly. I blinked, and now you are a teenager. How is it possible, you were just a baby yesterday?
This year our "party of five" took a trip to Siesta Key in March. We spent the summer at the beach and on the lacrosse fields, except for the (almost) two weeks you went to camp. (It is safe to day that camp will not be on your schedule this summer.) You started 7th grade this fall and are doing well in school. You still complain (every night) about homework. You played tackle football for Gilman, and your team had an undefeated season. You joined the youth group at church with Grayson and say it is your favorite part of the week. This winter we went to Turks for New Year's where you fished, snorkeled and discovered your love for surf and turf. You are on the wrestling team and halfway through the season, you are 4-0. Sometimes I have to shut my eyes when you wrestle, because I'm scared you are going to get hurt. But I always peek, because I am so impressed with your mental and physical toughness on the mat. It is a very difficult sport, but you are not one to back down just because something is tough! You are playing lacrosse and just started Snowboarding. And like most teenage boys I know, you are obsessed with video games, youtube, and your phone.
You aren't a fan of bedtimes, consequences, and following directions. You are a fan of bad words, talking back and arguing your point. You are impulsive and strong-willed and love to challenge us, but you are also always up for a challenge. You are determined, bright, and willing to go out of your comfort zone to try new things. You have a strong sense of self, aren't afraid to say what is on your mind, and you stand up for what you believe is right. You are loyal and loving and witty and give the best hugs!
And I know you are as tall as me now (and praying for that growth spurt soon), but you will always be my baby boy, my little love. I will always be here for you, to listen to you, to remind you to do your homework, to cheer for you on and off the field and mat. I love you so very much. And I'm going to do by best to hold onto these teenage years, even if they aren't the easiest, because I am truly going to miss this when you are all grown up.
I love you Zachary,
Mom
