We got tired of waiting for the food to come, so we summoned for the cake. That’s all anyone ever wants at a birthday party anyway, right? Duane walked by as we sang and made a great ruckus for my not-so-little buddy, so he joined in. Lucy did too, from her table with the mysterious young woman. Once the song and excitement ended, my baby boy walked up to the cake, looking a bit nervous.
I kinda love that for him. Some kids can’t wait for that teen birthday, but he acknowledges the unknown just as we did. It’s ok to be nervous. We’ll all be nervous together. With a little encouragement from us, his loving parents and #1 fans, he took a deep breath and blew out the candles on the first try! When he saw what he had done, he beamed proudly. I think that’s when the excitement of aging up finally kicked in. I couldn’t get over his adorable face!
Luca sparkled and glowed as he spun into his new self, taller and more handsome than ever. Oh Watcher. The girls won’t know what to do with that face. I was hoping he’d keep his long, curly hair, but he opted to cut it.
All my friends were at the restaurant that afternoon as if someone scheduled a reunion. I invited them to have cake with us, and they all congratulated Luca, promising to send gifts. Ali and I were just proud of our son. I may have blown our lives to bits, but the parts that remain—our children and the memories—are so beautiful. We wouldn’t change them for anything.
After we had our fill of cake and conversation, and before sending the kids back to Ali’s house, I pulled Luca aside to give him my gift. He didn’t know it yet, but I got him the tablet he wanted as well as a little extra.
“Happy birthday, bud! I just want you to know I am very proud of you, and no matter what happens or where I am, I love you. Ok?”
“THE NEW PLUMPHONE?!!”
I know I didn’t need to do that, especially since I already agreed to one expensive gift, but I wanted him to have a nice surprise. Heh, maybe he’ll text me sometime.
