Though today is your official birthday, Jaden, I have felt like I've been parenting a teenager for quite a while already. You've always - nearly since day one - seemed older than your age. You've always looked older, carried yourself with more maturity... and you've been taller than me already for almost a year now! This past year has brought so many challenges, mostly due to circumstances caused by the pandemic and all things '2020' ---- but you have grown and thrived despite it all.
Your final year of elementary was cut two months short, something that hit you harder than I expected it to when that decision actually became official. You lost out on your big sixth grade graduation party, your opportunity to learn how to write a proper essay, your first 7v7 football season... and even a spring soccer season that you were looking forward to. And probably the hardest of all, your chance for a full first junior high football season was ripped away - something that brought anger, frustration and even some tears - but also an incredible opportunity to make the most of the time and opportunities you were given. I wouldn't say we've made lemonade out of lemons this past year... but you've learned how to work harder, fight for what you care most about... and that many times, all too often, adults get it way wrong. You've paid attention to the pain of the world and have a desire to do better and be better. You're old enough to pay attention to politics, and unlike me at your age, have even shown an interest in it. You're one of the reasons I believe your generation will make this world a better place. You were called a natural leader by every single one of your 7th grade teachers in your first junior high parent/teacher conference meetings - and you were named your football team's captain on day one of practice - after coaches got a glimpse of you and your actions in a pre-season three-day high school camp in August. You have put in extra effort and time on the basketball court - losing out on full team practice time but taking advantage of more opportunities for one on one coaching and early morning workouts. You learned how to study, have discovered what motivates you to get top grades (hunting trips, sports eligibility and a future career dream that you can't stop talking and dreaming about), and you are the most incredible big brother to Kaitlyn.
You also make me pull my hair out daily. We can't keep our (two) pantries stocked, you still haven't learned where your clothes hamper is or how to brush your teeth without daily reminders, and like most moms - I feel like I have to tell you something five times in order for you to remember or even hear me. :) But truly, our pride in you only grows. You consistently stay above the fray, continue to make good choices among your peer group and made honor roll for your very first semester of junior high. Your passion for football continues to grow, as has your love of hunting, and you made us laugh the other night when you heard your own voice in a video I had taken and you said, "Why does my voice sound so deep on that video?" Yes, buddy, your voice has changed, and you are growing like crazy!
We are so excited to celebrate you today - Covid style. You are not one to like to make a big stink over your special day and simply requested Casey's pizza and a homemade birthday cake. You have a basketball game scheduled against Peet for after school, and then we have a special surprise gift waiting for you when you get home. (We told you we were buying you new underwear and your first razor). ;)
Proud of you, bud. I hope your first teenage year brings you closer to your goals, your dreams and your friends. Keep your eyes on the horizon and your feet firmly planted on the ground that you walk so well. Love you, much!
