I was hoping to have something profound to say about my youngest son, Jonathan turning 16 today. I wanted to compare and contrast the kid he was,
to the man he's become.
I wanted to write about what a decent person he's grown up to be. I wanted to tell you about the many qualities that he's developed that make him a great guy. I'm trying to take a step back and take myself out of the equation and assess him as objectively as possible (although I'd love to take credit for how awesome he turned out, but that's not important right now).
As I observe my youngest today on his 16th birthday, here's what I know for sure:
- Jonathan is his own person.
- He is a wonderful friend.
- He has a caring heart.
- He's got a highly developed sense of humor.
- He is thoughtful.
- He is tough.
- He is talented.
- And humble.
- He's a natural born leader.
- He's comfortable in his own skin.
- Jonathan is the kind of guy that friends call when they need something.
- He is respected by his peers and by the adults in his life.
- He is compassionate.
- He is sensitive.
- He is smart.
- He has big thoughts.
When you meet Jonathan and get to know him, you will eventually detect all those qualities, but like everyone else in his life, you will say, "That's just Jon."
And that's the highest compliment of all.
Happy birthday, my son. I love you MORE.
(NOTE: The photo of Jon today was taken by his talented photographer friend, Chase Miller.)
Happy Birthday, Jon!
May you always be happy, healthy and your mama's pride!
Posted by: Carrie | December 30, 2011 at 01:07 PM
How sweet! Funny how before you know it,they grow up on you! Go ahead and take credit!
Posted by: Grace | December 30, 2011 at 03:14 PM
Happy Birthday Jon!
Posted by: Jana | December 30, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Hello, This is Mari From Georgia, having a Cuban Bar here, I'm looking for Cuban Cook and Musical Band... contacts to Cuba is very limited from our country, please help me if you have any contact with cubans. thank you and sorry for not posting in the proper place
Posted by: Mariam Turashvili | December 30, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Happy Birthday Jon!!!!!
Posted by: [email protected] | December 31, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Happy Birthday Jon! COngratulations Marta on a job wonderfully done!
Posted by: Tamera Beardsley | January 02, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Thanks, Carrie.
Shh! Don't tell him. It might go to his head. ;-)
xoxo,
Marta
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | January 06, 2012 at 01:25 PM
Grace,
With your blessing, I'd like to "sandpaper myself" now.
LOL!
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | January 06, 2012 at 01:26 PM
From Jon:
"Thanks, Mrs. Miller!"
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | January 06, 2012 at 01:26 PM
"Tell her thank you....Who is she again?"
LOL!!
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | January 06, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Thanks, Tamera!
Posted by: Marta M. Darby | January 06, 2012 at 01:27 PM