Ethan Michael

There is a very special guy that turned 13 years old today...Teenager? When did that happen? 

Oh my sweet Ethan...I still remember meeting you for the first time in the hospital. Us siblings didn't really know what to do with you just yet. You were so small and so precious. Before you were born so many asked me, "Do you hope it's a girl?", "Do you hope you'll have a little sister?" I remember thinking that a little sister could be fun...

But then...I met you.

I cannot believe you're 13. I think back to the days of you running around shirtless in your diaper with your arm in a cast - or stitches on your head somewhere - you were fearless. You've always had a very independent spirit...ready to discover something different, or create something new - I love that about you.

If people don't come along with you, that's okay - you're still going to go out and find a new adventure anyway.

I want to thank you for always accepting me for the way I am. You've never wanted me to be anything other than me. You were so young when you started telling me I was "pretty"...and I sure didn't think it was true at the time - those awkward years can be brutal! But still, you loved me for me :-)

I love your sense of humor. Your contagious laugh. Your sensitive heart. The way you're always looking out for the underdogs.

Oh, and of course...

The one million different facial expressions.

I think about you often, Ethy. I know it's hard sometimes to understand why I'm here and not there...Believe me, it's not always easy especially on days like this, when the sun's shining and I know that I should be out on an adventure in Huntersville with you.

I like thinking back to the last month leading up to my wedding. You and I were having our "adventures" all the time! The last few weeks before the wedding I would sing you songs on the keyboard before you went to bed - remember? I would make up very strange songs with weird lyrics  just to make you laugh.. :) And THEN, I would try to say goodnight to you, and as I would go to turn out the light and walk away, two flailing arms came out from the top bunk as you would grab me and wouldn't let me leave! I'm telling you what, I had to be crazy fast to escape those spider arms.

Happy Birthday to the smartest, kindest, most handsome 13 year-old I know!

Your big sis is so unbelievably proud of you. I love you so much.