12

Laughter, 

My boy who has a gift of seeing straight into the heart of people, even strangers, I'm amazed by you. I know I've told you before but your super power is knowing exactly how to love people.  From the time you were shaky on your feet you would waddle into a room full of people and find the lap of the one who was hurting and needed your snuggles.  It's been fun to watch as you grow into this. This is your last year as a child, you are on the brink of being a teenager. I caution you to remember that this super power of yours is not something most of us can do. While you can quickly see to our hearts we can't see to yours in the same way. Tell us your pain, and sorrows. Tell us your joy. If you don't we might miss out on an opportunity to love you, to celebrate with you or to share your pain. I don't want you to ever feel like you have to carry your emotions alone, we want to do it with you as you do for us. The only problem is that we don't have your gift.

Oh this year you have grown. You stepped into a leadership role taking on the task of leading your patrol. You've volunteered your time and skill to help with the children at church. You've disciplined yourself enough that not only did you earn your next belt in Tae Kwon Do but you did it early.  You hiked 24 miles in 25 hours at the age of 11! You are learning in knowledge and how to discipline yourself in school. You are disciplining yourself spiritually too. I know because of the way you made your decision to be baptized. Unbeknown to us you did a word search in the Bible to find out why baptism was such a big deal and what the best way to do it was. I am proud of the man you are growing into. 

This year is going to be different then any of us were expecting. I think you're ready for it. I think that you will be able to find your place in New York. I think you'll find your place with your peers and with the adults around you.  I think that it won't take long for you to excel at whatever sport you step into.

My prayer for you this year is that as you grow and continue to see into the hearts of others that you would learn to discipline yourself to be patient with the rest of us, and take the time to tell us how you're doing. Because you are worth it. We value you. You are one of the greatest treasures, more valuable then diamonds. Sometimes I'm not sure you know that, so this year I will pray that you will learn it.

An interview with your twelve year old self:

What is your favorite color? Uh nothing, black... maybe blue

What is something special to you? Tae Kwon Do

What is your favorite word or saying? aih 

What is your favorite thing to do? Tae Kwon Do

Who is your favorite superhero? Captain America during the time of End Game, Infinity War, and Ragnarok.

What is your favorite book or book series? I have no idea...Adventurers Wanted Series

What is your favorite memory from this past year? My green tip belt test.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Doctor

Where is your favorite place to eat? I can't tell you, every time I say some place is my favorite it close. I really don't like Longhorns. It's really bad. There is no way it is my favorite.