He wants to go to China Sun Buffet for his birthday dinner. Because seafood. Word on the street is that he'll find a never-ending supply of clams there. The love of seafood is a bond that he and Shawn share.
He asked for Colton-approved video games for his birthday. It's not that he asked for something he wasn't interested in-- he just made sure Colton was interested too. That's a bond that they share.
He also wants a stuffed brown dog for his birthday. He and Mackenzie play 'Doggy Game' every day and he knew she would love an addition to their doggy family. It's a bond that they share.
He is our sweet heart, our most pleasing of people pleasers, our conflict repairman. He's Colton's constant champion and cheer squad (which, hopefully, Colton might someday see), Mackenzie's heavily indulgent best friend/big brother.... but in personality, not a lot like either of them. He is his own intensely unique self, sandwiched right in the middle.
And he's funny. He's funny in so many ways. I have a history of sharing the wacky things he says, and I kick myself when I forget to write them down and struggle to remember later on, almost like I just tossed away a priceless piece of abstract art.
He's also funny to me in ways that he doesn't understand. For instance, he always seems to think that no one likes him and he gets anxious about school and social events (he might be a little like his mother). However, whenever I walk with him through his school, it becomes apparent that he's a semi-celebrity. All I hear is, "Hey, Casey!!" "HI CASEY!!" "Is that your little sister, Casey??" from every other person in the hallway. I brought him to school late after an appointment one day, and half his class stopped what they were doing to greet him. He can't see the effect he has on people, but I can and it fills my heart up in a split second.
Kitty and Blanket are still an active part of his life. Every year that passes, I feel an immense relief that I can still hold on to that cuddly pile of deliciousness when he wakes up in the morning and carries them to my lap for a good snuggle. I know it can't last forever, and so I try to savor it, and breathe in that sweet smelling head of his, and relish in the idea that he's mine, my Sweet Casey the Bean, and that I'm so grateful to know him.
Happy 7th, Beans. I love you more than words can say. And no matter what happens in this world, never stop being You. You are a million times more than enough.
Love,
Mom
