Honestly, I do look at the birthday posts I did for Zac when wanting to do a post for Sam. I try to keep it the same because, you know, second child syndrome and all that. This year though, I actually wanted to do something different. Well, the joke's on me; I just checked Zac's post, and it turns out I felt the same way three years ago when he turned six. Go figure.
There are so many heartwarming words that people use to describe you, Sam. You are funny, charming, passionate, creative, affectionate, smart, and resilient. But by far the most common one is: special. And oh how special you are! I guess it's been there since before you were born. There's always been a backstory with you, and you have always done everything in your own special way.
This past year has been a challenging one. As though growing out of a preschooler and into a big boy wasn't enough, you started your sixth year lockdown (and we're still in it!), you had to get to grips with your specs, adapt to online learning, and even move house. There have been many stumbling blocks and learning curves along the way, and I would be lying if I said I don't worry about how misunderstood you could be. But you always manage to stay smiling. You refuse to be squashed. You surprise me, and you soften my heart.
A few weeks ago, I found this passage in Jeremiah, and when I read it, I just knew it was for you:
My sweet boy, you are a gift to the world. You continue to show us how to stop when things get busy or overwhelming; slow down to acknowledge and enjoy the moment we are in; sit still to see things for more that what merely meets the eye. Your sensitivity makes you both compassionate and caring, and your sense of humour makes everyone around you feel both lighter and loved. You give the best hugs, tell the funniest jokes, and I could spend hours watching in wonder as you makes sense of the world in your own special way.
