Jack is 15

 Happy 15th Birthday, my Jack. You’ve grown to new heights this year. I hug you and barely reach your heart as you tower over me. It’s odd to see you this way, my small one, but to now be small next to you, and to be hugged by your large frame. I wonder daily if I will ever adjust? You seemingly walked out of the kitchen as a young boy one night after a late night snack, then back in as a young man, to devour your next meal. I’ve watched your always creative, captivating, kind, cautious, beautiful soul, align itself to the world around you in awe-inspiring ways this year. You’ve always carried maturity beyond your years. I see now how you’re using this power to draw in your passions and interests to bring you joy, and eloquently avoid being pulled in where you don’t want or need to be. You will stay this course, no doubt, and the world will continue to open its arms for your heart, creative genius and ambition. I will be here, awestruck, at your pure awesomeness and will power. You’ve remained my companion in deep conversation, and you care for my heart in unearthly ways as you always have since the day you arrived. I am filled with gratitude for this gift. It is written now for me as a mother, straight from the gaze of my first born son, that my children will indeed not stay forever young. But you’ve shown me the ways a mother is needed change slowly, and then seemingly all at once. I’ll always be here adjusting my sails. Keep soaring and exploring, Jack, as the humble, brilliant, hilarious, loving and kind person you were born to be, and that the world needs. In this #OneBeautifulLife, you keep leading the way, for me as a Mom, for your siblings and family, for all of us. Happy birthday my baby boy. I love you, whole heart. -Mom