Fourteen years old. You should still be FOUR. When you were 4, I couldn’t imagine little Jett being teenage Jett. You were my BABY for crying out loud. We were going to watch you put together puzzles (with them turned upside down), build legos and explore space forever! Okay, so we do still watch you build legos and explore space. But, this past year, you became so teenage-ry and started looking so grown. You became aware that friendship requires effort and figuring out where you fit means learning to be yourself first. You’ve been navigating it so well, and I’m so proud of you for always being willing to talk through all of the things.
You aren’t afraid to talk about anything. I love this about you so much. You think deeply and you want to figure the world and people out. But mostly, you want to figure YOU out. Don’t stop learning YOU. Because, YOU have so much untapped goodness and creativity in you that you’ve yet to see. How amazing to think that there’s even more to you when what we see now is already so incredible.
I love how fearless you are to learn something new. If there is a how to YouTube video, you’ve got in the bag. I love how you brave you are to put yourself out there even when it’s uncomfortable. I heard someone say recently, “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” You’ve been doing this for a long time. Do you know what that tells me? You are going to accomplish and enjoy so much in life, Jett Takle.
I love your passion for playing and learning guitar. You are soooo talented.
I also love how you’re not afraid to ask for ANOTHER guitar, because you can never have too many of these, apparently.
I love your love for music. I love how you asked for Stevie Ray Vaughan, Greta Van Fleet, Jimi Hendrix, Prince and Tyler Childers on vinyl for your birthday. I would say this mix hardly make sense, but it’s you. Of course, it makes sense.
I love how you think asking, “Can we go to Universal next weekend?” isn’t a big ask. You’re not afraid to dream big or ask big. You definitely get this one from your father.
I love how you love explaining to me science things that I can barely understand. I mean, I don’t necessarily love learning it, but I love that you love telling me about it.
I love how you hug Pax and tell him goodbye every single morning before you leave for school.
I love how you tell all of us you love us every single day.
I love how you love John and Anna and ask when they are coming home often. I’m so thankful for your relationship with them. You’re a good brother, Jett man.
I love how thankful you are for every single thing. You say thank you when we do something for you and then tell us thank you AGAIN later in the day. I hope you know you deserve every good thing done for you and every good gift given.
I love how you care about other people’s feelings. It matters to you when someone is hurt, and you always want to fix it.
I love how much you love your friends and time with them. Don’t stop investing time into the people in your life. Relationships matter more than anything else.
I love every day with you, Jett. I have always loved every day with you. You have taught me so much about being present and noticing the world around me. You keep me awed by all that life gives us. You keep me so thankful for everything.
And, I am constantly thankful for YOU.
May this new year be the year you grasp how wonderful and amazing and talented you are. May this be the year you KNOW that you are God’s masterpiece. His poetic statement. You are my precious, loved, and adored, Jett Man.
Happy 14th Birthday, bud. I love you more than I could ever express in a birthday blog.
Love,
Mom