My Jackson turned twelve this week and today he received the Aaronic Priesthood. As he was being blessed, certain moments of his life flashed before my eyes. I know that sounds kind of dramatic, and I'm so not dramatic, but it's truly what happened.
Obviously I thought of some of the moments after he was born. I saw him 8 days old on Christmas day with his new Air Jordan's on from Grandma and Grandpa.
I also thought of a special moment for me around that same Christmas when I was bathing him and became emotional because I was thinking about how much I loved him. And I thought about Mary taking care of her baby and if I loved my boy this much, how much her heart probably swelled with love for hers, especially knowing who He was. I have had similar moments with each of my children.
I thought of him at age two, singing "Silent Night", saying "Round yon virgin, father and child. Holy infant so tinderella mild." And for years his constant request to be sung all 4 verses of "Joseph Smith's First Prayer" as his bedtime song.
I saw him at age four when he majorly wiped out on his bike and scraped his face up really bad.
I saw him through preschool, kindergarten and first grade when he starred as Bubble Gum Bart in the school play.
I thought of his baptism day, his determination to learn to ride a ripstick, and jump a 6 foot gap on his bike.
I thought of the time he told me he loves to listen to his primary president talk because it makes him feel really good inside. And two weeks ago when he bore his testimony for the first time in front of our entire church congregation.
And lest you think he's perfect, I saw a 3-year-old Jackson pushing his 1-year-old sister down 17 stairs. And 7 years later, telling the same sister that the water in the font turned black when she was baptized.
Jackson shares a room with his favorite 2-year-old, Justin. Every night when Jackson goes to bed he covers Justin with his blankies and with kisses. Sometimes he looks at him for awhile and rubs his head.
Once in awhile if they go to bed at the same time, I will later find Jackson asleep on the floor next to Justin's bed. When Justin was born, I wondered if there was a connection that could possibly be made between boys nearly 10 years apart. Well, I think there is. ☺
I hope he stays the same fun, happy, thoughtful, funny, not too old to snuggle up to me, homework helping, open-minded, smart, witty, spiritual, wise young man he is now.
Happy Birthday Jackson! Love you bud! ☺
