Tag: Seattle

Thatcher turns 12 today and I want time to slow down.  It is not lost on me how special our time together during the next few years should be.   In reflecting on the last couple of years I find two things remarkable. First of all, how close we are….and secondly, how far apart we often seen. Confusing, right?  So, I planned a trip for us.  The hug that I got after Thatch listened to this birthday message and learned about his surprise birthday trip made every second of any hard day worth it…and more. When it came time to pick a place to experience with him, the choice was pretty obvious. I can.not.wait to take this special trip with him.

Happy, Happy Birthday Thatcher,

 

As silly as it may seem, for some reason, you turning 12 has rocked my world a little bit.  It both makes me excited for the person you are becoming and hurts my heart just a little bit. 12, you see, comes just before 13. 13 equals teenager which, to me, equals heading off to conquer this world on your own…all too soon.  Each year leading us to today has been as unique as it has been amazing. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that some of it has also been trying. Each year you become more independent, more confident, more mature, maybe more headstrong, and just a little bit less of my little boy.  In reflecting on the last couple of years I find two things remarkable. First of all, how close we are….and secondly, how far apart we often seen. Confusing, right?  Understandably, you are getting to the age that other things come first. Lately, it feels like we argue more than we laugh, but you still give hugs freely and say, “I love you” without hesitation. Those will be the memories that I bottle up and save. You don’t head to college for six more years (If that is the path you choose) and yet I already miss you terribly. It is not lost on me how precious these next few years should be. 

 

So, with all of that in mind, I wanted to do something special for your birthday. I, selfishly, wanted to spend time with you. Just the two of us. I also wanted to do something that speaks to both the little boy you once were and the young man you have suddenly become.  When you were little you played for hours on end with your miniature whales and boats. You would spend full afternoons setting them up perfectly, arranging them in detail to act out the narrative that you had created of boats rescuing whales and dolphins that were in danger or entangled. You did it at home….and at the beach. We watched Free Willy more than 50 times. Each time I was moved watching your little shoulders go up and down as you sniffled at the end. Soon after was the year that a stuffed orca whale moved to the top of your Christmas list and I couldn’t find a store anywhere who could get one to me in time. A college friend came to the rescue and mailed one that belonged to her boys that was no longer being “ loved.” And, then there was the year you wore an Orca costume for Halloween.  We visited Sea World several times and you were mesmerized. You absolutely loved watching those orcas….until, one day, you didn’t.  We now find you watching Blackfish instead and scouring the Internet for different videos about the wrongdoings and miss treatment of orcas in captivity. You have schooled us, and others, on what you have learned and I have loved watching you become passionate about something that is “all yours.”  Your empathy and concern greatly resembles the sensitive toddler that I remember with a full heart.  Who knows, maybe this is just a “fad” for you….or maybe it is a sign of things to come in your bright future.

 

Regardless, when it came time to do something special for your birthday, I chose to plan a surprise trip.  When I tried to think of the perfect place for us to build lasting memories….and to reconnect….the choice was pretty obvious.  On July 5th,  we’ll head to Orca Island, just north of Seattle, Washington.  With three resident pods of orca whales, more bald eagles than anywhere else in the country, the most beautiful landscapes, and so many place to explore surrounded by lots of small town charm….there is no place I’d rather experience and share with you.  Here’s to your birthday, here’s to making some pretty special memories, and here’s to you.

 

All my love,   Mom xoxoxo