Caleb,
Today, is your 21st birthday.
I love that the "pots of gold" are actually beer steins. I imagine we would have celebrated today at a bar and toasted your birthday with a drink. I'll have one tonight after dinner while we watch Toy Story or Cars. I'm leaning towards Toy Story tonight because I keep picturing how cute you were in your Buzz Lightyear costume. When I tried to take a picture of you, you kept stretching your arms out and yelling, "To Infinity & Beyond!"
It's a milestone year. Instead of wondering about all the things that could or would have been, I plan to spend the day remembering the things that defined who you were.
Your handsome smile.
Your infectious laugh.
Your high energy when giving something your full attention.
Your enthusiasm when meeting new people.
The way you were "all about the girls" and admitted it freely with a sly grin.
The way your face lit up when you played with Samson.
The way you looked running down the hallway while racing the anesthesiologist on your way to a radiation treatment. You ran past me, then came back and said, "Hi, Mom!" then took off running again. That goofy look on your face just as the anesthesia started to hit the sweet spot for you.
The love and affection you showed your brother.
I loved watching you play Wii with Caden. The video of the two of you sword-fighting still makes me laugh.
Can you believe Caden is a senior in high school this year? I'm still having trouble accepting it. You would be so proud of him. He's had so much adversity the past couple of years and has still turned things around enough that he will get to graduate early. I'm continually amazed at his resilience and believe you had a great part in teaching him that from a very early age. You were such an amazing big brother to him.
The fun you had on playdates with your half-sister, Stacey. (Can't believe she's 18 already!)
