Aw, Son-
Happy Third Birthday, Dude.
Three years ago they told me you were about to die, and they needed to send me to the OR to get you out safely. And they did. And I knew you’d be trouble because our whole family is screwy, but I didn’t know we’d have actual issues. Real ones. Issues that will probably need professional help.
And it doesn’t matter.
You are a beautiful boy, pretty, even, and when I’ve looked at you I’ve shot forward ten years to when the girls will be calling the house asking for you, and I’ll tell them to go away because you’re doing your homework. You will, right? You won’t be me?
And because the world is such, that you are beautiful and will be a lady killer with those eyes and that face, everything will work out for you, right? Because ain’t that America? Looks work first? Personality, which you have tons of, shoehorns in?
On May 18th I’m taking you and your horses to the doctor. You have issues beyond the usual. The grimaces, the face squinching, the growling, the sudden yells that have no discernible catalyst, the pageant wave, the shoulder jerks, all of the rest…
My baby, if you have Tourette’s- I need you to know-
Kids can be mean. Kids WILL be mean. It’s what they do. No, I don’t really understand why on an emotional level. But I know, right now, that if anyone can show the world that they are beyond their troubles- you can.
You stubborn, funny, loving little man.
This was not something I ever considered. We still hope you’re just a weird kid, because all kids are weird. But if this comes to pass-
We ALL have your back. And once your big sister gets her jealous head out of her ass she’ll be your greatest ally.
Because she loves you.
We all do.
I watch you with the herd over at the horse farm, and I know what you need now. You’re so relaxed over there. So calm. No jerking. No squinching. No yelling.
We’re staying here, in this immediate area, for you. And we don’t even mind.
Those horses, on that perfect farm, know that you need them. They know they should care for you. They know you adore them. They think you’re pretty cool, too.
And you are. You always will be.
Just quit trying to break your neck diving off the sofa, okay?
Happy Birthday, Jonas.
We love you.
10 Responses to “Aw, Son-”
Are You Gonna Eat That? by Julie Summerell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
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awww…happy birthday, Jonas! Speaking as one who has brain issues, hey, we can be cool together if there’s something a little off up there. You can always hang with me.
That would be the best thing ever. MANSQUITO for the win!!! Oh, or some Disney thing. Damn.
Of course we have his back. His mom and dad’s, too. And Livvy’s.
Add me to the list of those who have your back, big guy. You mom is an amazing and admirable person. The best people I know are also the oddest…it makes us beautiful.
He is beautiful. And with you as his mom, I know he’s beautiful inside as well as out. And certainly we have his back as well as yours.
Happy Birthday, Jonas, add me to the list of those who have your back. Grew up with a brother with ‘problems’…I was the big sister. You have a great family and support team. The horses know ….
Happy birthday, little guy. If the only person who had your back was your kickass mom, you’d still be alright. And you got plenty more.
If I had goats or chickens, they would all be yours. On my blog today I wrote a prayer for the Mums, here’s your part
For the Mums whose children struggle with their own health problems:
May each day bring you more joy than pain and may you find the world a loving, supportive and nurturing place for you and your child.
And in your case, may there always be horses, too.
From a long way away, there are many others who also have your virtual back. I hope it helps you and your wonderful little man.
Happy Birthday little man. Your Mom is awesome, as are your sister and father, and with that you can never go wrong. Kick 3′s ass and put 4 on notice. \m/ \m/
Happy Birthday Jonas!! Add Liam and the Olson’s to the list of supporters.
Beautifully written Julie. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.