Dear Fred – On Your Sixth Birthday

Dear Fred,

Are you sure you are really turning six? Are you sure it has been six years since the doctors placed a squirming little bundle into my arms and pronounced “It’s a boy!”.

And yet, are you sure it’s ONLY been six years that I have loved you with the intensity that only a mother can love her first and only son? I feel like I have known you forever – those gorgeous green eyes, those delicate freckles that are scattered across your little nose, that cheeky and infectious grin!

We have certainly had our share of adventures together over the years. You have taught me what it means to parent outside of my comfort zone, and I have learned just how far my capabilities (and patience!) can stretch. I am thankful for these lessons and know beyond a doubt that you have shown me how to be a better parent.

You have such a gentle soul, and I am so proud of how you care for your friends with fierce loyalty and admirable courage. You have a strong sense of what is fair, and what is right, which is certain to be one of your biggest strengths (and I fear one of your biggest vulnerabilities).

I know you feel nervous sometimes, especially when you are trying new things, but when you persevere and take risks, I am so proud of you – knowing how you must be feeling inside.

You are such a clever boy. I wish you could see in yourself what I see. You understand things that are even beyond me sometimes! The way you help Dad with the tractor and the mowers shows me that you have been lucky enough to be blessed with your Dad’s mechanical thinking. I’ll always admire that about you, and I think you will be happiest when you are exploring and discovering how things work.

I love watching you play with Lucy – especially when you don’t know I am watching. You are so careful with her, always making sure she’s happy, and showing her how to play with your toys. Did you know that Katie was once like Lucy? She also loves you very much and looks up to her big brother – I wonder if you will ever be able to see Katie in the same way?

Even at just five years old, you’ve always looked after me. If I hit my head, or tripped on something, you would be the first person at my side, giving me a cuddle and asking me if I am ok.

My favourite part of every day is when we lie on your bed at night, and you tell me about some random thought that has been buzzing around your head. I hope you always want to tell me what you’ve been thinking about and how you are feeling. The other night you told me that you loved me “to the moon and back, moon and back, moon and back 135 times, around the house three times, up the driveway, and around the house one more time”. Wow. That’s a whole lotta love!

You wrapped your arms around my neck, as I brushed your hair across your forehead, and we rubbed noses. My heart exploded with love.

You are growing into such a big boy. I am starting to see a glimpse of the man that you will one day become, and I am filled with joy, and hope for the future.

Thank you for being you – my darling Li’l Fred. We were blessed when you came into our lives six years ago, and I look forward to another year of adventure with you, my boy, at my side.

Happy sixth birthday, Freddie!

All my love forever,

Mummy xx