to a special kid on his birthday

nathan hamilton nelson. 15 years old. 6 feet something. goofy as can be. he does this thing where he "boops" you on the nose whenever he can, and his eyes get all crinkley and happy. it's part hilarious, part annoying, but mostly endearing. "tender" is a really good word to use when talking about his heart.

when we lost our dad something happened to us as siblings. i think we just held on to each other for dear life and i don't think any of us have let go. it changed us and it changed our relationships with each other. i suppose that's one of the few things i'm grateful for out of the experience. so this nathan kid? he means more to me than almost anyone in this whole world. he's one of my boys. he's one of the very best. he's going to move mountains. just watch.

happy birthday, bud. i love you!