13

 

13 is . . .

• the beginning of something new.
• bold, confident.
• excited about opening presents, but trying not to show it.

• letting your little brother sit on your lap to help you open presents--partly to shield you from your audience, but mainly because, in your words, he was the best thing about 12.
• discovering more about who you are.
• confusing and challenging.
• brave.
• gracious about a slightly singed cheesecake.

• a hollow leg to fill to feed that jumble of growing mind and body.
• hopeful.
• still very young (to us old people).
• independent.
• fun-loving.
• exasperating at times.
• here much too soon.

Happy Birthday, Jr.!