Dear Miles,
Every year I sit down to write your birthday letter and every year I have no idea what I’m going to say. It gets harder and harder to summarize a year “in the life of” but here goes…
Kid, you are ridiculous. Yes, I said it! You are ridiculously funny, smart and an all-around great kid. Everyone loves you just like everyone loves your dad (except he’s not funny–just ask Miss Teresa). Miles, your joke telling could use a little practice, but you make me laugh so hard with a simple look—or by saying “No, no, no…Not today!” and it drives your sister nuts. You can’t keep a straight face and once your smirk comes out, I can’t help but laugh unless you’re in trouble and then you and I both know that I’m not laughing.
Every morning for the past year, you’ve checked to see if you’re taller than me. Seriously. Every day. Son, I’m going to let you in on a secret—I’m glad you surpassed me this year. I struggled with my height throughout my childhood and for a good part of adulthood so I’m thankful that you’re growing. I’m just as excited as you are for your growth spurt. I’m rooting for every millimeter you grow but remember, I can still chase you down if you instigate anything ;)
Your sister has a shirt that says “I have no life. My brother plays travel baseball.” That shirt sums up our calendar. Most of the last year has been spent sitting on the sidelines watching you play baseball. Your dad and I truly love to watch you play. Neither one of us likes to miss a game but when we do, it’s to save your sister from sitting there miserable (she loves you but doesn’t love baseball as much as you do—even if her favorite player is on the field). You have put so much work into the game over the past year and it shows. After struggling to throw anyone out last year, I love that this year you’ve caught over 15 runners stealing on the 90’ diamond. Parents, coaches and umps have told us that your game IQ and blocking skills are advanced for your age. Your teammates trust you and the umps love “my Miles” because you protect them just as much as the plate. Just a few weeks ago, the umpire at a game told your dad and I that he was ready to take you home. He loved working the plate with you defending it. I also love how you are helping the other catchers on the team. You’ve really stepped up as a leader this season.
Baseball has always been your true love. This spring you thought long and hard about whether you wanted to continue with soccer. There was a pang of sadness in my heart because I had no idea last November was potentially the last time we would see you suit up. You decided to play another year, but I know this upcoming season could be your last—even though I hope it’s not.
Miles, I love you kid. I love acting silly with you. I love the games we make up and start playing—like throwing squishy balls as hard as we can at one another. I love that I had to download a fart noise app to assist in waking you up in the mornings. I love that you stay focused and get your school work done on your own. I love how big your heart is and that you lift up your teammates when they need a pep talk. I love how much you love your sister and that you let her annoy you and your friends from time-to-time.
We spent your 14th birthday doing what you love most. BASEBALL. We rolled out of the driveway at 5:45AM for an 8AM game, watched you play and then loaded into the car and drove 5 hours to watch the Savannah Bananas play in Akron, Ohio. I hope you realize there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for you.
I cannot believe you are 14—although the mood swings are a good reminder. I’m trying hard not to think that in two years you’ll be driving and in four short years you’ll be legally an adult. Your dad and I are doing our best to just soak in our time with you.
We love you, son. Happy birthday! You are and will forever be my sunshine.
Love, Mom
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