I guess it's kind of a slow realization, the one that your child has progressed from kid to big kid. The boy who once needed you for everything from getting dressed to shoe tying is suddenly independent. He no longer needs you to read books at bedtime - he'd rather do it himself. In the pie chart that is his sphere of influence, your parental slice has begun to grow smaller while his peers' share steadily increases.
Ben turns 9 on Wednesday, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that's possible. Veteran parents always warn new parents to enjoy the time, that it goes quickly. Mostly, it doesn't feel that way when you're in the middle of it, but milestone moments like birthdays usually work nicely put things in perspective. Those veteran parents are right.
If you'll forgive me being an insufferable braggart for a moment, I must say, Ben is special kid. At the age of 4, Ben taught himself to read and soon was doing so fluently. Soon after, he was able to add two-digit numbers. I wish Mark and I could take credit for this, but we can't. It's all him. At the end of first grade, when we came to the realization that Ben's abilities were outpacing his grade level, we reached the difficult decision to have him skip a grade. What we asked of Ben required a lot of courage on his part. Not only did Ben survive the change, he thrived.
Ben amazes me. He isn't a tall kid to begin with, but being younger than his peers puts Ben about a head shorter than most other kids. But Ben loves to run and play sports. Through his sheer determination, he ensures that he excels in whatever he pursues. It inspires me.
Happy birthday, Ben! I celebrate you today and every day.
I'd like to close with the lyrics to a song, "You and Me" by Frances England. The first time I heard it, it undid me with its simple, beautiful words that capture so perfectly what it's like to bring up a child. I highly recommend you download it, but be ready to dissolve into a puddle of tears.
You and me, happy as can be
Flying through the park on our bikes
On a Sunday afternoon
You and me, rolling on the floor
Practicing your somersaults, cartwheels,
Your donkey kicks and more…
How did you grow so big overnight
How did you get so smart and bright
Yesterday you were asleep in my arms
Today you’re growing off the charts
I’m so proud of you
You and me, drawing pictures wild and free
While the paint goes flying,
Your big smile brightens up the room
You and me, reading books in bed
Your head on my shoulder,
Your eyes on the pages ahead
How did you grow so big overnight
How did you get so smart and bright
Yesterday you were asleep in my arms
Today you’re growing off the charts
I’m so proud of you
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