to carter, on the occasion of your ninth

"The world belongs to the people who are curious."
-- Albert Einstein

 

Dear Carter Christopher,

These days, your legs are so long and your questions are so profound that I forget you're only nine. And yet here we are, also wondering how you've grown up so. It's a strange tension.

You are reading like crazy, and your curiosity about animals, science, and space seems to multiply with every book. You read sometimes to Luke, and it's sweet to watch you share those interests with him. He wants to be like you in nearly every way, and your love of books wouldn't be the worst thing to inspire.

The outdoors is still your happy place, especially the pool. You could splash around and dive for toys and wrestle your dad and brother for hours.

You shed those training wheels this year, so bike-riding is a new outdoor favorite. (Of course, Lukey shed his soon after too, because he will not be left behind.)

They say imitation is the best form of flattery, and you do enjoy a bow tie like your dad. The bow tie is cute, but watching you adore your dad is magic.

Speaking of imitation, the Littlest is still enamored with you, and although you have it out with him some days, you humor him mostly. You're learning how to do brotherly love that lasts. I love watching that.

Your mom and dad are so intentional about nurturing your interests, introducing you to new experiences, and helping you learn all that your curious heart desires. Here's how they'll remember this past year:

I'd describe Carter's personality with these few words:
mom: Curious, friendly, kind, sensitive.
dad: Gentle giant, literal Larry.

Carter is most grown-up when he ...
mom: Is deep into a book. He really enjoys reading nonfiction and learning and asking questions.
dad: Is sitting reading a book to Luke.

Carter was proudest this year when he ...
mom: Read a story he wrote in front of a group of parents and classmates. He is very fearful of performing but he did it, and it was wonderful.
dad: Started riding his bike without training wheels.

 

My proudest moment as a parent this past year was ...

mom: When Luke decided he wanted to go off the diving board and needed to swim 25 meters in order to do so. Carter waited for him at the end of the pool, and when Luke completed the lap, Carter ran to him and exclaimed, "Well done!" and pulled him in for a big hug. I want my kids to be cheerleaders for others. This was evidence that he is listening and learning.

dad: Him participating in his fun run at school and reading a book to his class.

 

Carter's best qualities are ...
mom: His desire to learn and then the ability to teach/discuss/question.
dad: His curiosity, his creativity, his loving-kindness.

The hardest question Carter asked me/us this year was ...
mom: After Chris was volunteering at Covid testing centers, he asked if Daddy was going to get sick. His anxious heart was so afraid.
dad: What happens to me if I don't believe in Jesus? Will I go to hell? Or asking about Passover and why God would allow babies to be killed, because he doesn't make mistakes.

After his ninth birthday, I'm most looking forward to ...
mom: Watching him grow in confidence into who he was meant to be.
dad: Carter discovering more about the gifts God has given him and building confidence to try something new.

I don't know what the history books will say about 2020, but they may well record it as the year the world stopped in many ways. In fact, thanks to COVID-19, your second grade class was abruptly thrust into a virtual experience after spring break, and you missed your teacher and classmates terribly.

 

But, your curiosity about the world, your reading, your seeking, and your questions just never stopped. It's a good reminder to me that even when the world around us doesn't make much sense, and even when we might feel uncertain or anxious, there are parts of us that are meant to remain intact.

You have been made by a good Father, who is the most creative Creator, and he makes no mistakes. He formed you exactly the way he intended, and he desires you to become more like him. It's what we hope for.

And, we hope you never stop being curious about him. He's worth every question.

Happy ninth, Little Man. We're (still) crazy about you.