happy birthday, Leo

Today is a special day— Our middle son Leo turns eleven, which is just as hard to believe as it was when his brother Roman turned thirteen this summer. I know time is fleeting there are moments like the birthdays of your children to remind you just how fast time flies.

I don’t think Leo reads my Daily Notes yet, but I know he see my Instagram Stories where I post each note, so like I did for Roman’s birthday, I am going to use today’s note to wish him happy birthday in a way (and place) he may not expect—a little extra surprise I hope makes him smile…

Leo, happy birthday!! Your mom, brothers, and I love you very much and we’re all very proud of who you are and the young man you are becoming.?

I can only imagine what you are going to accomplish in this next year. As I look back on your year of ten, it was a transformative year for you:

You moved on from elementary and over to intermediate school.?

You got braces.?

You’ve grown your hair out to rock the horrible hairstyle your generation loves, despite your mom and my protests ??.?

You got your first non-data hand-me-down iPhone.?

You’ve continued to excel in soccer and basketball.

You’ve tapped into the Universe and are aware of the messages it sends you—the repeating numbers you always see.

As much as I want time to freeze, like I told you this morning, you are establishing your independence and becoming your own person.

And I hope I can help you find your authentic Self–allowing you to experience your life the way you meant to at a much earlier age than most of us do. This is where my goal for your twelfth year lies–continuing to be the father and friend you need me to be (and that I should be) but also allowing you to be YOU. I wrote this to Roman on his birthday, but it is hard for me to accept that I cannot control the outcomes of your life; I don’t want to control them for me–I want to be able to make sure you experience an amazing life.?

But I can’t.?

And I know that–it’s hard for me to always act upon what I know and not try to force what I think is best for you, like a better haircut ??, because I have experiences and knowledge I believe can help you in life. Still, I know those experiences and knowledge have to become your own, not mine, and I have to remember the best I can do is plant seeds for you to learn what you need to learn earlier than you would on your own. I can also be aware of when I’m overstepping and impeding your ability to find your authentic Self and step back and support you as you find your way.

I know today is a busy day with school, practice, and Roman’s game, but I’m excited to celebrate with dinner tonight after the game and then again tomorrow night at Newfields like we always do for your birthday. I’m excited about what the upcoming year holds for you, and I will do my best to continue to support you on your Pursuit, giving you what you need from me but also giving you the space to find your authentic Self.

Happy birthday, I’m so proud of you; know that I love you always!

-Dad

I’ll be back tomorrow with the regular Daily Notes—thank you for allowing me to surprise Leo with this message today!

See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC