[H]e’s got a smile that it seems to me
Reminds me of childhood memories

Today is this boy’s 12th (TWELFTH) birthday:

I have to admit, the months leading up to this birthday has been tinged with a bit of sadness. Not like bittersweet, just a hue of blue.

It’s because he’s getting older and I don’t know how to process that.
His voice has gotten oh so slightly deeper and he’s finding hair in places where hair didn’t exist before.
And I’m finding myself not wanting him to get bigger and older.
But there’s no way to prevent that, so accept I must.

The thing that hasn’t changed is his joy and zest for life.
It’ll always serve as an inspiration.
I dedicated a chapter in the upcoming book on this fella. Because he’s a saint to me and always will be.

Dearest Boy,
Happiest of birthdays.
I can’t wait to be shocked at how much meat you’ll pack away tonight while we celebrate you over some Korean BBQ.
You are a constant source of joy and blessing in this humble life of mine. And you make it easy to celebrate you.
You bring pride and joy to this family and, going full Asian, you bring honor to us all.
May you continue to be the shining star, lighting up the world with that smile of yours, Sweet Child O’ Mine.
Happy birthday, my best bud — the Hooch to my Turner (Hooch was the dog right?)
Love you so much, sometimes I want to hug and squeeze you to death. Okay, that was a bit dark. But, just know you are oh so deeply loved.