He is 12 years old today.

He loves that he shares a birthday with Mozart, but doesn't want to listen to him today.

We listened to the Blizzard of Oz this morning instead. He wanted biscuits and gravy for breakfast, and was thrilled when I bought bacon too.

He prayed for a snow day for his birthday and got it.

Today, I am reflecting on the community of people who have wrapped themselves around us in love these years and not once let me do this alone.

I may have been a young single mama when he was born, but I never did it by myself.

This is an amazing boy, and he is amazing because of each and every person that has willingly shared their lives with him and held him up- held us up- along the way.

Thank you. Thank you all so much. we couldn't have gotten here without you.