Jaden has faced some challenges this past year that have made him ANGRY and SAD and VOLATILE. Yet I still see loyalty accompanied with pain and fear in his eyes.
It kills me to see my kids hurt. I go to bed worrying about them and wake to thoughts of them. Jaden has taken the forefront on this.
When Jaden entered our family, he brought a breath of fresh air that each of us needed. We celebrated walking and talking and skateboarding and video games. We puffed up with pride over reading and spelling and math equations and writing. We cheered at sports events and learned again that mud puddles REALLY are fun, fishing is dang cool, movies are HAPPENING and cereal is the best food invented.
Yes. Jaden taught us to see the world with fresh eyes. Eyes we had forgotten to use in the mumble jumble of being an adult.
Jaden soared through school. He wowed all of his teachers. Above all, he has always been kind and loyal. I mean LOYAL. He loves his friends and family beyond measure.
I think at times we forget what it is like to be 16, 17, 18, 19 or even 20. We sure as heck don't know what it's like to do it now-days with social media, violence and cowards surrounding us.
However, ALL the old adages remain true.
"A penny saved is a penny earned."
"Things are not always what they seem."
"Slow and steady wins the race."
"Call a spade a spade."
"Pride goes before the fall."
"Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy and wealthy and wise."
"Well done is better than well said."
"Nothing comes from nothing."
Maybe, just maybe, we need to see the world through Jaden's young eyes. Hopeful and kind and humane and adventurous. Maybe we need to see opportunities; grab them; never EVER let go.
The Steel Horse Family rode again. We left on July 4. Another absolutely wonderful, invigorating, humbling, awe inspiring, holy-cow did you see that? experience.
But I had left my boy in turmoil. His super, extra, pretty dang cool friend had just died. It was awful. Heartbreaking. Difficult. Hard.
But I had left my boy in turmoil. His super, extra, pretty dang cool friend had just died. It was awful. Heartbreaking. Difficult. Hard.
Jaden was on my mind as I soared through mountains. Smelled evergreens. Viewed lakes and valleys and breathtaking scenery. I carried Jaden with me when EVERY SINGLE PERSON in the group made sure I was able to walk on the beach and feel the ocean glide through my toes.
We were riding in silence when Mark turned up the CD and Tim McGraw began singing "Humble And Kind". And I could NOT stop thinking of my boy.
You know there's a lot that goes by the front door
Don't forget the keys under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be a waste of time
Always stay humble and kind
Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got moutains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
I love you ain't no pick up line
Always stay humble and kind.
Hold the door say please say thank you
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams your dreaming' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind
When its hot, drink a rooter, eat a popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love life gives you
When you get where your goin'
Don't forget turn back around
Help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind.
Happy Birthday, my son. Remember these things. Honor you friends, your family, but most of all honor yourself. 19 is going to lay opportunities at your feet. Seek them. Grab hold with both hands and never let go. Take a moment and see yourself through my eyes. You're perfect.
