A Teenager in the House!!

We have a teenager in the house! 

As I think about the young man that my son has become over the last 13 years, I could not be more proud. I look at Braxton and see a young boy turning (before my eyes) into the man that I so hoped he would be. He strikes me every day by his patience and compassion. He is kind and gentle. He is funny, in his very own understated, quiet way. He is always, always thinking and listening and analyzing. He knows so much more than a 13 year old should know. He is wise beyond his years. 

I am always struck by the kind things people say to Jon and I about him, especially about his gentle nature, his bright mind, his old soul, and not to mention (his favorite) "the smoothest infield player I've ever seen" (thanks Coach Connell). As he comes into teenager-hood, to identify his "favorites", they would include (in this order) - baseball, family, his dog Babe, watching sports, reading, and spending time with friends is slowly creeping in there. 

To watch him start to, ever so slowly, come out of his shell, is sweet to watch. I often worry that his quiet nature will stand in his way of making friends, or allowing people to know him. I think I worry so much about it because I simply KNOW what a great human he is, and hate that he doesn't always allow people to see that. But I think so so slowly, he is letting people know. And it is simply a joy to watch. He is a leader in his own quiet way. He is an example for others and is always supporting his peers, his siblings, and if I'm honest, his parents. 

Happy 13th Birthday Braxton!