Twelve

You came running with breathless excitement into the house one recent afternoon, calling me to come quickly and see something fascinating you'd noticed while shooting hoops in the driveway. I grabbed my shoes and followed your fast-moving frame until you stopped just a few feet from the fence. You pointed and we both watched the empty space under one of the wooden boards for just a second, when a tiny brown mouse suddenly scurried into view, scratched at the grass frantically and then dashed back out of sight as quickly as she had come. We stood together for a long time watching the little creature repeat this same process over and over again, laughing with shared delight and appreciation for her focused efforts, imagining warmly the cozy nest being created somewhere just beyond our sight. These have always been some of my favourite moments with you, the ones when you draw me into the wonders of seeing the world through your keenly observant eyes, your curious mind, your tender heart.

You were lying at one end of the couch devouring a book the other day, your bare feet dangling over the edge of the cushion you had them propped up on. I was caught off guard by how long your feet suddenly looked to me -- it was as if overnight they had grown a practically impossible amount. From what I know of boys your age, your body will follow not far behind in a similarly shocking growth spurt; soon you will fill up so much more physical space with your sprawling limbs and ideas. I said this out loud to you, that I thought from your foot size you were going to get taller soon, and I could see in your eager smile this notion pleased you. You want to be taken seriously, to have your outer frame match the giant concepts and convictions you carry inside you.

When I asked you what you'd like to have for your celebratory birthday treat, you immediately dismissed the idea of cake. I should have known that cake would be far too predictable, too ordinary for your liking. You decided on banana splits, in proper dishes, with homemade brownies on the bottom, three different flavours of ice cream, and the bananas sliced in rounds, not lengthwise. You asked for strawberries, and whipped cream, and melted chocolate to drizzle over everything (if it wasn't too much trouble). Oh, and nuts. And sprinkles. And a cherry on top. I thought this was a perfect birthday treat for the ways that it's just like you: sweet, complex, and wonderful.

Happy 12th birthday, Will! Your dad and I feel so much joy watching you grow more extraordinary with each passing year. No matter how old or how big you get, I'll never grow tired of learning to see the beautiful, captivating world from your perspective.

Love, Mom  xoxo