Happy Birthday Nicholas Avery Charles …

Tomorrow, you will be 20.

I don’t know where the time went – and I’m finding myself unable to truly say everything I want to. You have been the constant in my life for these two decades – and I’m not sure how to explain how much that has meant to me.

I clung on when you turned 18 with the knowledge you were still a teen. Knowing we don’t automatically become adults at the stroke of midnight. Suddenly wiser than we were at 11:59 p.m. when we were 17.

I sat in the comfort that I still had a ‘teenager’ because it meant you were still mine.

And now – tomorrow – you’re going to be 20.

I don’t know where 20 will take you, but I know you’re going to have fun finding out.

Because you have become an amazing, free thinking, curious, unique young man.

Funny, fun-loving – a gift to be around.

You’re a caring, considerate and thoughtful friend.

A generous, loving and loyal boyfriend.

And an incredible, accepting and authentic son.

I return to the fact that I just do not have the words to let you know how special you are to me. Some things can’t be written. Only felt.

My eyes are full – my chest is tight – my love for you is infinite.

I am so glad you were born bird.