My messenger

Gabriel, my messenger from God, the little boy that was sent to this mama so her world would be turned upside down.  He would teach her to love.  He would teach her patience.  He would teach her how to life to the fullest.   You see, nobody can make me love more then Gabriel can.  Nobody can make me more angry then Gabriel can.  Nobody can drive me as crazy as Gabriel can.  It's never middle of the road.  It is all or nothing. 

My 8 year old, who gets up at 5:30 no matter what time he goes to bed.  After all these years he knows that when he gets up noone else will join him.  He quietly sneaks into the bathroom in the dark and starts a bath.  My early morning riser will never conform to my routine but, has fallen into a comfortable pattern that fits both of us.

My 8 year old who is learning fractions.  As we sit at the table each night dividing pies and coloring in sections, I marvel at how smart he is.  He always knows the answer even though we don't think the same way.   And, when he writes his answer, I want to erase it.  It's messy and not legable.

My 8 year old, who loves to play football.  He loves to get into his pads and helmet and talks about his team constantly.  I have never seen anyone more excited about anything in my life.  Not understanding why he likes to tackle and run and catch a ball made out of pig skin.

My 8 year old, who is always bouncing a basketball.  Every conversation we have had in the last two weeks has been in front of the basketball hoop in our front room.  Gabriel bouncing and shooting between words and me grinding my teeth because I want him to stop.

My 8 year old,who always has a story to tell.  A BIG dramatic story, that can last for hours.  A hunting story, a fishing story, or maybe a story about someone from school.  He loves a good story.  I am always reminding myself that I have to listen but, sometimes I just have to walk away.

My 8 year old who carries his baby sister around when I need help.  Always getting her from the bassinet when she cries or picking her up from where she is playing.  A sweet brother who is so good with his 4 month old sister.

I do think that 8 is my favorite age so far.  As I watch him grow everyday, I am thankful for his energy and life.  I am thankful for his passion and he love for other people.  I want to remember him being 8 forever.   Being 8 and lugging his sister around everywhere he goes.