Dearest Ollie Bear,
I wonder how long it will be before you ask me to stop calling you “Ollie Bear.” I hope that you never do, but I understand that as you get older, things like that may be less acceptable, so I’m holding on to that nickname as long as I can.
As you lay in bed tonight, wrapped up in your blanket, with Mr. Cuddles and books strewn about your bed, you look so young, but so much bigger than I remember you being not all that long ago. In the last year, you’ve not only grown taller, but more patient, focused, and mature. I’ve watched you deal with complicated situations and heated emotions with more grace than ever before. I’ve seen you kneel down to the eye level of younger kids and help direct them in clear, loving, rational ways. I’ve seen the amount of impulses you act upon decrease in number as the days wind onward. You’ve walked long, difficult roads, for many years, and come so very far.
Mister Collin, you bring such depth and variety to my life, but also the lives of countless others around you. This year, you’ve started middle school, which was an emotional transition for both of us. You’ve left such a lasting mark on the hearts and minds of so many in your days, however, that there were emotions and questions and anecdotes and memories shared with me by so many of the elementary teachers and staff that you left behind as you go forward on the new journey. Watching them all hug you on the first day of school this year, as we took your sister to her final elementary year, brought tears to my eyes. They trickled down my cheeks after I watched you step out of the car and walk bravely to the new school where you will meet an entirely new set of people to leave a mark upon. I pray that it’s a positive, beautiful mark, and that you can touch their lives as you have so many teachers and staff before them. I get such joy hearing all sorts of Collin stories. You really liven up this life.
You are such a smart dude. The amount of information you are able to bring to us is incredible, and listening to you and your older brother discuss more complicated topics than you have in the past makes me grin in the other room as I listen in quietly.
I’ve enjoyed learning new things about you over the course of this last year. Just recently, I found out your favorite song is “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” by Tears for Fears, which intrigues me greatly. It sure does bring a smile to my face to see you run to the room the song is playing from and do your little bee-bop dancing as you sing along. I really have no attachment to the song and could go my life without hearing it again, but then I wouldn’t have those moments of watching the joy it brings to you. I love that you found an interest in playing the trombone in the school band last year, and that you’ve become quite a talented artist, bringing your unconditional love for dinosaurs to drawings I find throughout the apartment and car.
You still have such a quick sense of humor, but also a clever set of problem solving skills that have become quicker as days go by. It’s been another fun thing to watch you really tap into.
You’ve become braver over the last year and really been more open to trying new things. It’s been a joy to watch you realize new loves, likes, and even dislikes. The world is such an expansive place and with so many experiences to immerse yourself in, and I love that you’re willing to approach it in ways you haven’t in the past. I love that you realized you love steak… and bacon- lots of bacon.
I love that you’re almost always up for some kind of adventure (even if it takes a little coaxing) and that you still let me take your picture even if you don’t really want me to.
I love that you still love to hug with full force and wreckless, loving, abandon. I love that you still like to snuggle me. I love that you still rest your head on my shoulder as we sit on the couch. I love that you remind me you love me. I love reminding you the same.
Collin, I can’t wait to see what your next year brings. The first dozen have shown developed a love in me like no other and helped me see the world through so many different lenses and filters. You’ve taught me deeper patience and understanding. I have seen you bring those same gifts to others in all areas of your life.
I pray that your next year is filled with life-altering and personality-solidifying experiences, but I mean that in the best ways. I know you’ve had enough heartbreak and trauma in your first twelve years. I (perhaps unrealistically, because we know how the world can be) hope that only great and beautiful things fill this next year of your life. If, by chance, some less than wonderful things happen, I hope you can find the beauty in them, at least looking back at them, if it is hard to as you go through.
I pray that you make life-long friends and supportive, positive relationships in middle school. I hope you find your niche and your people and that you sense safety in those spaces and communities. I pray that your mind is enriched greatly by all the new things you will learn and do. I hope you love your middle school years. I hope your year twelve is the best one yet.
Thank you for being a beacon of unconditional love, not only for me and your family and friends, but even for many who have “wronged” you or caused heartache in the past. Recently, we were discussing a person that, at the time, was incredibly difficult to continue interacting with, and you remarked how they were a good person. It stopped me in my tracks and I tasted the bitterness in my spirit and realized that you were right, they are likely a good person, even if our experience with them was pretty wretched overall.
I hope you can continue to easily forgive others and to not hold grudges that weigh on your heart.
I love you, my Ollie Bear- more than you’ll ever know.
Happy Birthday, Buddy.
You’re the best thing that ever happened to me and I’m so glad you’re mine.
-Mom
