Happy Happy Birthday my beautiful little man. For your 11th birthday, you got your very first broken nose. Big shocker it was by playing baseball. I have been told several times since it happened 3 short days ago that it will be the first of many, and that it is surprising that it is the first time being as how you play ball with such passion and heart. That is not very comforting for either of us.
You are brave and strong and courageous.
You are a big middle schooler now. You were so nervous to start junior high but have fit right in and are loving school. I have no doubt that you will do amazing. You were so scared that people would make fun of your black and swollen eyes, but you have become the celebrity of the campus.
You are witty and hilarious and sometimes I am amazed at the sarcasm and brilliance that comes from you. You make me laugh every day. And often this sarcasm and wit get you into trouble as well. Sometimes I get glimpses of you at 16 or 18 or 20, and it makes me sad and proud all at the same time of the man you are becoming.
You are sensitive and kind, and everybody's friend. You're best friend is still Kaehler although Cameron is a close second. All of our "family" here in Oklahoma we have met because of you and your baseball. Kids gravitate to you. I can see why. You, are perfect.
I love you Austin, Happy Birthday.
Austin's first day of being 11, black and blue and swollen.
