Happy 4th Birthday Chase

Chase turned 4 this past weekend!  4!  I just can't believe it.

He is one special little boy.  He is loved by so many, and he loves everyone.  He literally will randomly say "Mom, I love everyone."  Sometimes I wonder if he reads Michael Chase's book, "Loving Everyone" after I put him to bed :)

There are some days where he never.stops.talking.  Some days where he drives me craaaaazy, but most days he is simply a joy to be around.  He loves life and lives every day to the fullest.  He reminds me that it is the little things that matter and make up the important moments in life.  He smells every flower, notices every bird flying by, and makes friendly conversation with every person he meets.  I heard the other day someone say that if you can walk into a room and leave people feeling hopeful or happy, than you have served your purpose.  I immediately thought of Chase.  He seems to radiate hope, love and happiness, he brings joy to not only me, his family and friends, but to total strangers.  His zest for life and the way he tells stories, he can captivate any audience.

The other day after Chase and I took a walk along the ocean, an elderly man came up to us and started to chat with Chase and asked him how old he was and his name.  Next thing I know Chase is telling him a long detailed story about his day at school and how there is another little boy named Chase, so there are three Chase's in the world, Chase Cyr, Chase from school and Chase...the dog from Paw Patrol.  I am pretty sure the man had no idea what he was talking about but you could tell he thoroughly enjoyed the conversation, and looked at me and said "You have quite the son, what a personality!"  I can only shake my head and laugh, and say thank you.

He loves helping around the house too.  If there is a job to be done he shouts out "Chase is on the Case"  and helps me with every chore.  He loves yard work the most, helping me rake, weed, plant flowers, water our garden.  He would much rather help me with chores then play with toys.  Sure, it usually takes me twice as long to get it done and I may have to do it again after he finishes, but he loves to help out and any time I ask him for a favor he says "Of cooourse Mom!" and usually does so wearing one of his many super hero costumes.  How lucky I am to have the one and only Spiderman help unload the dishwasher?

And yes, we have our moments.  When he refuses to put pants on or whines or makes up 10 thousand reasons he needs to get out of bed before falling asleep.  Or when he wakes up before us and goes into the pantry to "make breakfast for everyone"  but seems to get distracted by the bag of chocolate morsels he finds and leaves a trail of evidence on the floor.  But how boring would that be if he never challenged us, or showed his independence or questioned authority.

Chase, Happy 4th Birthday.  I am so thankful for you and I am so proud of the little person you are.  I am thankful for your heart that overflows with love.  For your eyes that light up and sparkle when you see even the tiniest of miracles.  I am thankful for your curious mind that never stops thinking, wondering, questioning.  I am thankful for your little body that moves so very quickly, for when you run "super speed like a cheetah".  I am thankful for your little hands that still hold mine, when we walk together.  I am thankful for your smile that can light up a room.  And most of all I am thankful for your spirit, you live a life of purpose and you don't even know it yet.  You make people stop and remember what is important, you give them reasons to soften, laugh, and smile...you give them hope...joy...love.  You are one special little boy and you are LOVED!