Ben turned 11 on May 9th. This was the same day as the twins' confirmation, so a bit of juggling was required. A decision was struck and Ben opened his gifts on May 9th, but we left the birthday supper and cake for the following evening so that his special day wouldn't be eclipsed by the sacramental celebration.
Ben's request are very simple and can often be completely fulfilled with food. However, he also asked for a few books and a running coat. Ben is a very talented and dedicated runner and has been wearing this coat faithfully since he first unwrapped it.
My parents were in town for the special day ... so I didn't have to make a cake. This is probably a very good thing. Seeing as my parents are moving here in July/August, I might never have to make a cake again. (Fingers-crossed emoji)
My dad had just arrived back from leading a ten-day field trip in northern Ontario. Thus, the scruffiness. (That's today's excuse, anyway.) What a delight it is to have grandparents on-site.
What to say about our dear Ben? He is by far our quietest child and was that way from birth. He actually never cried upon emerging from the womb. At first this was a worry, but, now that we know him, we realize that his personality was evident from his first breath. I clearly remember the morning after he was born. The nurse looked after him during the night, only bringing him to me to nurse. I woke up at first light and heard a baby screaming. My first emotion was fear that I had a colicky baby. My fears were unfounded as it was the other baby born that day who was raising such a ruckus. Ben was wrapped up tightly lying in his isolette looking around with the most peaceful baby face. I recall staring down at this little baby and thinking, "So, this is who you are." That personality hasn't changed that much since he was born. He still remains very silent and spends a lot of time looking around and taking things in. But, as one of the deacons at our church remarked, "Yes, but Ben's quiet is a loud quiet. There is a lot going on in his head." We love our Ben tremendously and thank God for 11 delightful years.
