A Letter To Ty

To My Ty,

It's March 19th, my favorite day of the year!!

I tease you and say it's because it's the last day of Winter, but you know the real reason, because you're smart and sly that way...and you get me.

I can't believe it was 12 years ago today you blessed my life. I was a single mom, who barely knew what she was supposed to do, and you came into my world and truly saved me. From the moment you were born, you and I have been thick as thieves, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

You wouldn't remember this, because you were about 2 1/2 at the time, but here's just one example of how you saved me on a night that I felt I was in my darkest hour.

We had just moved away from living 2 minutes from Nana and Papa, to now being 3 hours away, we were in our new place, and I was looking for work. I was having a bit of a "melt down" and feeling lost, while you sat and watched cartoons. You turned and looked at me, so seriously, walked over to me and touched my tears. "Wa up mama?" you asked. "Nothing baby, Mommy's just tired," I lied. You walked away into the bathroom and came back with something in your hand, behind your back. You were so serious, and yet smiling softly. I still remember thinking how have I come to deserve this little man? In that moment you handed me a square, just one square, of toilet paper. "Is ok mommy" you said, as you handed me the square. It was then that I realized how truly deep your sensitivities ran. You made my night with that square, and many more nights.

You've always been fearless, my boy. When this picture was taken, your helmet weighed almost as much as you did. So how would you put it on? You'd put it on the ground and stick your head into it. Brilliant!

When you introduced me to your dad, you loved him right away. I knew that. What wasn't to love? But as we all grew closer, together, I could see that this was indeed the best fit for both of us.

I still remember your first words when I called you at Papa's and told you he gave me a ring. "Well it's about time!" Up until that time, with every chance you got, you were buying me little rings and presenting them to me in front of him. I didn't catch on at the time (I'm a little slow that way) but I later realized that you were trying to get him to catch on. You are so SMART!

When we got married, how could I not have you give me away?? You and Grandpa were the two main men in my life, and it was only fitting that you be the one to welcome the new guy. ;)

So here you are...12 years old today. It makes me cry to think you're getting so big, and yet it makes me proud to see how you're growing. You still ride your dirt bike like nobody's business. You're quite the Boy Scout, as you work together with your dad on your advancements. You're almost a teen and yet you're not to big to play with your baby cousins. Just remember...you are still a kid and it's okay to to be one.

Nice try on this one. :)

Happy Birthday Ty!! I love you more than you will ever know. I am so blessed every day you are in my life! I pray we have many many MANY more birthdays to share.


Now...Go clean your room.


Love,

Mom