And then you turned 8!

 To say that you hold all life sacred, only casts but a small light on the truth. You embrace it, breath it in, nurture it, respect it...cherish it. 

  You find beauty and wonder in even the smallest seed as it germinates, cracks through the soil, and slowly unfurls to greet the sun. "Baby plants are so cute," you say, as you look at them in admiration.
 
You always stop and smell the flowers, "This is my new favorite color of flower. Green is my favorite color because plants are green, but flowers always surprise me with their colors."
 
  You see garden snails as unique and interesting. Moving them from the garden in the backyard to the plants in the front so the chickens don't eat them. You are fascinated by them. You handle them gently, watching them crawl across your hands and arms before carefully retiring them to their new homes.
 
I watch every morning as you get dressed and head outside to tend to your baby chicks, moving them, their food, and  fresh water to a place in the yard that you decide will be best for them that day. No-one asks you to do this. It makes me proud.

  You study and analyze everything you see. You want to discover the mechanism that makes things work. You want to know all the reasons why and you are not satisfied until you have your answers. You have a passion for everything that you do; origami, lanyards, plants, and rocks are some of your favorites. You are a self proclaimed "Rockiologist". I love the passion that drives you.

  You over-think things, but we encourage it (with guidance of course). Its who you are. You ask questions that most people don't think about...ever. You are bright and introspective. You question everything, even your mom and I. It may drive us crazy at times, but I love that about you! It proves that you are a nonconformist. You always want proof or at least you want all the evidence so you can decide for yourself.

  You are one of the funniest people that I know. I don't think that you even realize how funny you are yet. You are so quick witted. I am impressed by the things that you see, interpret, mimic, or react to. You always  know how to make me laugh.

  You are shy and reserved in public, but around family and friends you are so free and uninhibited. I have watched you slowly start to show some of who you are in public this past year, and I hope you continue to because you have so much to offer. People adore the real Apollo which you so often hide from the world.

  And then you turned 8! What a rush the years have been. Gone too quickly for my taste, yet I am excited watching you grow and change into an individual. There is never a dull moment with you. Even your mom agrees; there is only one of you. You are a challenge, yet you are a joy to be around. You are unique and adventurous. Don't ever change that. Don't settle. Don't compromise.

Every time I look at you, I feel so lucky and thankful that you are my son. I have been blessed to call you my own.

Happy 8th Birthday Apollo!! I love you.