Happy Sweet 16, Tyler!!
3 days prior to Tyler's 16th birthday, he took his written driver's test and passed on the 1st go. He was very nervous and actually lost sleep the night before, something that never happens with academics or swim competitions. As his 16h birthday was just after the quarantine where we are no longer stranded at home, I decided to make it a get-together. However, because his birthday fell on a weekday where there was swim practice and school the next day - we had to separate his celebration into 2 events. Family only and a separate one for him and friends. Both events went well, where I admit - my son is not an easy person to surprise:
- His gifts arrived 2 weeks BEFORE, whereupon seeing his name on the box - he opens the package.
- The planned surprise party with family.....goes SPLAT when he decides to walk out of his bedroom ahead of his normal dinner time.
Regardless, his laugh and smile and admitting that he opened his gifts are well worth the attempts made. I so love this kiddo of mine, as well as being proud of who he is and who he is becoming. His maturity, his optimism, his stamina, his dedication, his compassion towards others - regardless of age, and his positive outlook.
I would like to thank everyone who not only made this 16th birthday a very memorable one but shared this special moment with both Tyler and me.....Grandma, Grandpa, my brother Pat, my sister-in-law Tara, my nephews - Wynn & Wess, my significant other - Richard, Tyler's Dad's family in Thailand, all friends and family on Facebook, parents of Tyler's friends, and mostly - each and every of Tyler's friends - those who were able to join today and extended to those who couldn't be here today. You guys give the word "WONDERFUL" a beautiful meaning for the team and friendship that you all share. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
~Jo Nontakorn~
