Your favorites: being outside, grilled salmon, coffee and tea, reciting random facts, watching You Tube, all things Marvel, daydreaming about all the money you plan to make, and listening to 80s hard rock music. You do not care for cleaning your room, salads, Donald Trump, going to the doctor, or wearing clothes that match/fit.

I love how kind you are. I love that you’re are a budding environmentalist, and that you’re passionate about your causes, which skew liberal and drive certain family members crazy. I love that when your opinion is discounted, you present solid, non-aggressive and compelling arguments that often produce grunts and head shakes. Your compassionate reactions to sad and horrific headlines make me so proud of you, but also fearful that you’re too sensitive for the cruelties of our current world. I regret that I sheltered you too much. But you were the baby and I wanted to keep you that way for as long as I could. Perhaps too long.

Athletic you are not😊, but we will turn you into a runner yet! You’re also not truly a sports fan (I’m still working on this!), but eagerly jump on a team’s bandwagon when called upon to do so.

For years, you and Barrett peacefully co-existed. That was fine, but also made me a little sad, because the two of you just weren’t able to connect. I chalked it up to the age difference, and a little bit of jealously on his part. You were the baby, and then you passed him developmentally. I don’t know, it’s a Pandora’s Box, but it made me sad. However, in the last year I’ve seen you reach out to him and help care for him and witnessed his willingness to accept your overtures. I’ve watched him regularly approach you and gently kiss you on the head – that’s the stuff right there, buddy. That is the stuff. I’m grateful that a little alliance has formed. Hunter is off in Lala Land with the girlfriend, and Audrey has always been in Audrey land, and now you two have each other. Thank you for helping him with therapy during the last few months. His therapists marvel at how you, Audrey and Hunter have stepped up. Thank you for considering him, and helping him (and me) when he needs it, and for affectionately calling him, “B.” He loves you. I see it, and I hope you feel it.

Shall we talk about Bandit? Oh, the way he shakes his little booty and cries that guttural lovesick whine when you walk into a room. His reaction to you speaks volumes! Animals know. He has never growled at you. He knows he’s safe with you. Thank you for keeping your promise to help take care of him.

You never say no when I ask for help around the house. Never. To be fair, you don’t always remember to do your chores, but when reminded, they get done. You’re always up for an adventure – and genuinely seem to love spending time with your mom and dad. I hope you’re always like that.

I wish so many things for you this year. First and foremost, I hope you get to have real seventh grade year. Looking doubtful, though. If that doesn’t come to pass, I hope that we can pull it together and ensure that you get the education you deserve. I pledge to you I will do everything in my power to make sure you don’t miss out. I know you’re going places little man, and this year will not change that. I also hope you feel less anxious, and I hope you can find time and opportunities to have fun with your friends. Most of all I hope you keep being true to yourself. I don’t know, maybe it’s a blessing that you won’t be exposed to the trials and tribulations of middle school social dynamics. I would hate to have to witness how that could possibility change all the little and unique attributes and habits that make you so very special.

I love you Camden. Happy Birthday!