Bailey Turned 15 Four Months Ago

One of my favorite things to do is photograph my kids on their birthdays.  Bailey’s 15th birthday was January 10th.  We took these photos shortly thereafter.  But I will be darned…I just could NOT bring myself to go through them and share them.

Bailey.  I don’t think I want you to grow up any more.  I don’t think I want you to take driver’s ed and hang out so much with your wonderful friends and start wistfully thinking about far-away colleges.  I think I like you just fine exactly as you are RIGHT NOW.  Everything is coming up Bailey these days!  You’ve transitioned into high school with the greatest of ease. You have found success in every thing you’ve gone after..even if it is not the success you initially imagined.  I keep trying to teach you how to relax and half-ass some stuff, but you certainly aren’t listening.  You’ve been nothing but Full-Ass Bailey Boles, and I’m so incredibly proud.  Your grades are outstanding.  Your performances on stage have reduced me to parental mush.  Your commitment to watching weird shit on YouTube is steadfast.  But really and truly, my Bill, the thing that makes me the most proud is your kindness.  You are loved because of the positivity and gentleness you put out into the world.  You won’t always have that kindness returned (you know this), but I hope you never forget how it feels to receive it.

I love you, my sweet Bill, my bean…and yes, that’s Baikey!

You now have my permission to be 15.