To Jack: On Your 5th Birthday

It greets me every morning: The curiosity and energy in your eyes.

In the span of a day, you climb mountains and fight pirates and run through swamps and storm castles. You jump. You fly. You wield a light saber and a sword. Your imagination is boundless.

You are not hindered by thoughts of others' perceptions of you. You are free. Unaffected. Uninhibited.

I marvel at your boyish wonder and fearless exploration. I envy your spirit of adventure. You remind me of everything I've forgotten about child-like dreams and you inspire me to keep dreaming right alongside you.

My heart is simultaneously heavy and hopeful as the years speed by. I yearn to keep you my baby boy. Yet, I feel the relentless tug of time that won't let you stay that way. I don't want to let go of today. But, I can't wait for tomorrow.

Words have not yet been invented that are colorful enough, bright enough, full enough to describe the love and joy you have brought into my life. I could live these last five years a thousand times over and never tire of watching you change from the newborn in my arms to the boy you are today.

It has been my great privilege to carry you and witness your birth. To watch you grow. To share in your triumphs and challenges and to play the role of "Momma" in your ever-expanding world. As you continue on your life's grand adventure, may you never doubt the depth of my love for you.

Happy 5th Birthday, Jack. May this year hold your greatest adventures yet.