seventeen

 Oh Bryce,

How can you possibly be 17 already? My little sidekick from day one (until the day I  dropped you off at daycare just before you turned 3 and you didn't think I was coming back). You have always been an old soul in a young body with the biggest heart to match. This year has brought a whole bag of emotions...so much joy and pride at your sophomore wrestling season, after such a tough freshman year. You finished your season at state just like you worked for. While you didn't do as well as you wanted...I can tell you your dad and I couldn't be prouder of the way you wrestled and the way you represented yourself and all of us. Golf season didn't end the way you guys hoped and worked for, but I know it is pushing you to work harder and I know you have your sights set on state this season, and I believe you can achieve that goal. All of your athletic accomplishments of course make me so very proud, but nothing makes me prouder than watching the love and compassion you already had grow this year. You have grown so much as a person, putting me and your dad above yourself and caring for all of those around you even if you are hurting yourself. You lead by example and while you stay focused on your goals you appreciate the journey and those who are helping you get there. Watching you give back to the wrestling program that has given you so much brings me so much joy, and I have no doubt the time you spend with those kids means a whole lot more to them than you realize. I know your wings are ready to fly (somewhere warmer where golf is a year round activity) but gosh I want to pause time and keep you close just a little longer than the year and a half I have left. You can bet I'm going to hug a little longer, ask a few more questions (I'll probably even go over my limit a time or two) and soak up every moment I can. I can't wait to see what comes next for you, keep being you and don't let this harsh world harden your heart, it is one of the very best things about you. Here's to the 2nd to last birthday with no cake! 

Love you forever and ever,

mom