The Kid has experienced some major changes over the last year. Some good, some bad. Changes that marked the beginning of the new and the end of the old. Changes made by him, changes made by others affecting him. Planned and unplanned changes. Changes occurring so slow it went unnoticed, others that happened in the blink of an eye.

At first the year seamed to start out the same as every other year. You ate, you made silly faces, you did your teenage thing. You wore stupid things on your head and then laughed at yourself until you had tears

You participated at home and school. Sometimes the participation was drama and sometimes it was rewarded. At times the participation was forced and frustrating and others it was helpful and humorous. Clearly your lack of coordination is from me but thankfully not my drawing abilities.

And then one day the changes started. Spring Break and we mourned the loss of the family property. Seven generations gone with the swipe of a pen. No more stock tanks to toss rocks. No more creek bed to fossil hunt. No more pecan groves, no more hay fields. No more freedom to roam the lands without fences or concerns. For seven generations the Planner’s family has lived on this land. Seven generations, gone. Goodbye dreams of past and current lives.

Middle school ringing of the bell and you were one of the few still wearing a mask. More to hide behind than a safety concern but you wore it all the same. Next year masks will not be allowed and you will have to show your face. It was standing there watching the proceedings I felt the change growing stronger. Nothing significant the vibration was there. You were not quite them but you were not quite you either.

However, I can pinpoint the moment you started to change. It was not a bad thing or a good thing. It was just a change. Just a blurp on the grand scale of life but for you it was huge. HUGE. After much discussion and wavering, you made the change. And immediately, like many others before you, it was regret. Don’t worry little one, it grows back. And quickly.

It took a few weeks but the new settled down and you were glad for the change. I was never so happy to see yet another bag on your head!

By the end of summer you had found your new inner self. Hundred degree days and you were never so happy to have had short hair and now wished it was shorter. Funny how things like that work, right? I was never so happy to see funny faces in the back seat instead of sleepy heads or grumpy gooses.

High school started and that was the end of the old you. No more funny shirts, no more home or school participation, no more selfies on stolen phones. In fact, you went two whole month without a single stolen picture taken on either my or the Planner’s phone. How unlike you.

Finally, months after starting the freshman year you found your grove. Selfies on the phone, silly shirts one the weekends, and fun and games at home. Braces removed and your face shined. Of course, you were sad to lose them as they has become your identity. Braces, faces, or hair are not your identity as they will always change. It is your inner you that is your identity. Just be you.

Like the you who had to take his picture with Santa just a few weeks before your 15th birthday. And not one but two because apparently it would be “rude to take a white Santa picture only”. So proud!

What a difference a year can make. You may hide your true identity while at school and not wear fun shirts from Nasa camp or sailing regattas, shirts with throw back comics, toys, or games, or shirts about engaging in science or people’s lack of science abilities, but you can wear socks! Happy Birthday Stinky Feet!