Dear Son #2,
People misunderstand you. Even me! Sometimes all we see is the quiet, easy-going and positively chill young man in between two brothers that are, well, none of those things. Someone asked me the other day who the “easiest” boy was and I immediately pointed at you and laughed as I watched the other two proceed to “WWE” each other on the lawn. Meanwhile, dear boy, you came over and gave me a hug. You are my one son who is simply gentle, kind, soft and timid.
Or so I thought…
In September, I signed you all up for Taekwondo. I was told that it was good for energetic and boisterous children, especially boys. Because I have neither the time nor the energy to put you all in separate sports of your choosing, you also joined Taekwondo.
Reluctantly I might add.
To say you instantly fell in love with the sport and truly found your passion is the absolute understatement of the year.
You weren’t a fan.
It was hard, tiring, uncomfortable and fast-paced. All things that are not you. But, as you well know, Mommy likes to challenge you boys and take you just a little (sometimes a lot) out of your comfort zone. So in March, to your dismay, I moved you up to the group that Pieter and I were in, Junior Belts. This meant not only a longer class but a harder class with higher expectations. You had to kick a little higher—”NO SMURF KICKING!”—behave a little better—”10 push-ups for talking in class”—and remember a little more—”Left foot walking stance, no the other left!”. I watched you persevere, get in trouble, make countless mistakes and get very sweaty but you just kept going. Must be a combination of that easy-going nature and Mommy telling you to “suck it up Buttercup”.
In June the big belt test was coming up so we were all practicing our patterns, kicks, sparring steps and general knowledge of Taekwondo. The week before the test those who were ready to test were given a form at the end of class. As the instructor walked down the lines giving some forms out I’m not going to lie I did not expect you to receive one. Oh what little faith your own mother has in you! You held the form in both disbelief and fear. I could see the doubt in your face but I smiled encouragingly at you and mouthed “YOU CAN DO THIS!”.
The day of the test arrived and you were a bundle of nerves. (Don’t feel bad though, Pieter threw up four times on the morning of his test in March).
“You can 100% do this Willy B” I said to you taking your worried face in my hands.
“There is nothing to be afraid of, you just do your best and have fun. That’s all that matters here”.
Well, you nailed it son. You legit nailed it. And i’m literally tearing up just writing this post and reliving it because I am so freaking proud. It was all I could do not to burst into happy tears as we were getting our new belts (I held it in in case he made me do push-ups for bawling like a baby). Seeing you not only come out of your comfort zone but punch through it like the Kool-Aid Man was the most amazing thing to experience.
William, you have had more roadblocks in these last 7 years than any boy your age should ever have yet you have faced these challenges with a positive attitude and usually a hug or two for those involved. Today you are 7-years-old and I’m excited to see what this year will bring for you and what other surprises you have up your sleeve for all of us.
You are not William the Gentle.
You are not William the Kind.
You are not William the Soft.
You are not William the Timid.
You are William the Bad Ass.
Happy Birthday dear boy, we love you so much and are so proud of you.
Love Mommy,
XOX
P.S. This is the worst language I’ve ever used on a blog post. But you’re worth it.
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