My Almost Teenager

Hunter is a special child. He is not my child, but he is my child. There is nothing I wouldn't do for him (with the exception of homework). He is kind, loving and amazingly smart. Even when he is frustrated, he can be so kind.

Today, Hunter turns 12.

9 years ago Hunter came into my life, and I am thankful everyday. He was such a wonderful little boy, and he is turning into an amazing young man.

Hunter is smart, athletic, caring and intense. His love for all his family is outstanding. The time he is away from us, he misses us as much as we miss him. When he is away from his mom, he misses her as much as she misses him. He loves all his cousins with such abandon. They are his best friends, even if they don't see each other often.

This year, Hunter has done so many things. He has scaled a tree to saw off a limb, he went tubing solo, he went ice fishing, camping and snowmobiling. Hunter fought back from a rough school time, and pulled it off with amazing grades. He also started reading at such an excelled level that his teachers don't always know what to do with him. Hunter qualified for his first ever bowling tournament, the same week he was converted to finger tip.

Hunter, I love you. You are such an amazing young man. The love you hold in your heart astounds me every day. You ability to adapt to any situation, no matter how crazy is a wonderful gift I hope you always retain. Your openness to love and emotion has grown so much this past year, I am so proud of you.

I love your love for the outdoors. I love that you would rather be out there doing anything than watching tv and playing video games. I love your love of reading and knowledge. You are such a smart young man, and that is something that we can share. I love your patience. You are so kind with young children, from your sister to the little kids at the bowling alley.

I can't wait to see what you become, how you change over the next year. I will be here, ready to catch you if you fall. I will be here with a shoulder to lean on, and an ear to listen.

You will always be my Peanut, no matter how old you get. I love you so much. Happy Birthday!