A Little Boy Is Nine

Me: Good Morning Little Boy...
Him: Hi, Mom...

That is how we start everyday, and today is his birthday. So much of everyday is a struggle for Andrew. Living with bi-polar makes things like making the bed, brushing teeth, going to the store, and pretty much anything, a battle on a bad day. But it is the good days that make the hard times manageable. And on good days, we get to see glimpses of a little boy who tries so hard to be better.

We don't really have birthday parties with friends. Friends are hard to make/keep for him. But he does have a best friend, Matt, who came for a sleepover last night. I could see a little man in my little boy. He was asking his friend if he would like a drink, with no coaching from Mom or Dad. He was being so careful of this friend's toys. I heard a whisper of "that isn't a good idea, it'll break" under his breath, to himself.

These photos are my two favorites of Andrew. I framed them years ago in a single frame, that hung near my old desk in my studio. Andrew is about 2 years old in them. I didn't realize it at the time, but the photos are really the essence of Andrew. One up, one down. It is how he is from hour to hour, day to day, season to season.


Here's to hopes that today is one of the good days.

Happy Birthday Little Boy, I love you!