Today is the day. Nico turns 13. Yes a teenager. How did this happen so quickly? It was just yesterday he was born. We lived together. He was my shadow, my little me.

Whatever I did, he did. He became my club’s little mascot.
I can never adequately express how he changed me. Changed me.

If you regularly read these posts, you probably picked up reaching resolutions is about more than negotiating to get results. It’s also about reaching answers, changing circumstances, approaches to resolutions. We
all are able to change even if we don’t know it. All of this through the lens of what I’ve experienced.

Though Nico, I learned again the joys of being a child. The wonderment of life itself. The ability to see things more clearly through a child’s eyes.

He and I once argued over who was his boss. Actually he told me I wasn’t his boss. It was his way of informing me that I couldn’t tell him what to do. So,I asked him who did he think was his boss. My mom! As his mom was at work, I told him simply, and who do you think is your mom’s boss. (Me) Grandma, was his answer. Always has the last word. And teaching me I wasn’t always going to get the last response.

The day he moved away was especially hard for me. He was so excited. I got angry, I cried and then eventually realized how fortunate I was to have spent those early years with him and how fortunate I was to still be a part of his life.

He’s a big brother to Luca and the oldest cousin. All of them look up to him. He takes the time to play with all of the young ones. I hope I can be like him with my family. As a son, a brother, and a cousin.

Over the years, we have played baseball, organized our own backyard Olympics ( he won several gold medals. I seemed to always come in second place. And when my bride leaves on a trip without me, Nico stays over to keep me company. We usually watch movies or parts of them as we tend to fall asleep before they end.

Yes this young man has helped me change. For the better. He’s helped me see what’s really important. Life, happiness, my bride, my children, grandchildren and all my family and friends.
I just want to enjoy them all.

It’s your day Nico! Happy Birthday, you are a good young man.
We are all so proud of you!
It is your day but I think you’ve given me the best gift.

Love,
Nanu