Dear Tommy

T,

I should start by saying Happy 19th Birthday, bud. I can’t believe it. With every year that passes I always reminisce on your younger days. Although memories of you as a baby have faded, I will always remember you as a toddler. A beautiful fire-cracker of a toddler, with hair the most beautiful blonde that I always envied.

I’m pretty sure fire-cracker is an understatement. You are just so you. So full of endless love, outpoured to those who need it most. You are one of the most kind-hearted people I know, and for that I am so thankful.

From the early days you were always my bud. A name that has stuck with you for the last 19 years and will follow you through your old age, sorry bud.

One of the most precious memories I have is of us as kids, you a toddler and me a few years older. I always secretly thought you were my baby. I would sit on the ground with my legs in a circle and you plopped in the middle. We would turn on the tv, and you would rest your back on me while I guarded you and kept you safe from the world.

As time does, you suddenly grew from that little boy to someone a little taller, with a personality unlike anyone I’d ever seen before. You had the most energy (albeit sometimes aggressive energy) that kept us on our toes. You hid in department store clothing racks and chased me around the yard. You developed a fearlessness that had you in line for rides at Busch Gardens that were far too advanced for your age with nothing but a smile on your face. The world was always yours for the taking.

Fast forward to my high school years and you were always in the picture. When Peter came over for the first time, you tackled him to the ground and made your presence known. When my girlfriends came over on nights that I was babysitting, you batted your baby blues and made sure they tucked you in to bed. It’s that same suaveness and magnetic energy that has brought more friends into your life than I can count.

And now, as an adult who has finished your first year of college, I need to let you know how so very proud I am. You, T, are one of my favorite people. Whenever I need someone to make me laugh or a friend with a solid playlist, you’re my guy. When I need someone to listen to my hardships and hug me tight, you’re my guy. And most of all, when I need to feel loved you’re my guy. It’s the “love you”s that you shout every time you leave the room and the seven hugs you give me before saying goodbye that remind me how special you are.

I love you, T. Now and always, no matter what. Happy Birthday.

Kate