Mari & Ilna-you're the best.
McRollers-thanks for reading.
Ten of Many (1/1)
Angie held her hand tightly over her mouth to muffle her excited giggles as she and both of her parents tip-toed quietly into DJ's room. They arranged themselves beside the bed and on Steve's signal all yelled "Happy Double Digit Birthday!"
DJ sat up with a big smile already firmly in place. He looked around with awe at the streamers and balloons that filled his room.
"You did it again!" He wiped the sleep from his eyes. "You came in and decorated and I didn't even wake up."
"Mommy and Daddy can be very, very quiet," Angie said, holding her finger to her lips. "Shhhhh."
"Everything looks great. Thanks!" DJ's eyes lit up. "Hey, now I can put on the special t-shirt Grace and Kendra got me." He reached towards the bottom of his bed where he had carefully placed the special item the night before.
"What it say again?" Angie asked.
DJ held it up. "It says 'Peace Out Single Digits. I'm 10 Now'. Isn't it awesome? They ordered it special so it would be Cubs colors."
Catherine smiled. "It's perfect."
"Before we have your special birthday breakfast and then get ready for your party there's something we want to show you," Steve said.
As he closed the bedroom door Angie pointed to a long rectangular banner hanging on the back. "TADA! We made you a list!"
Catherine and Steve took a seat on either side of DJ and Angie scrambled into his lap.
As they all got settled DJ began to read. "Ten Things We Love About You, DJ."
He blushed slightly.
"We had a hard time narrowing the list down to just ten things," Catherine said. "But if we listed all the things we'd be up here all day and we'd miss the awesome party Grace has planned."
DJ beamed.
Catherine read the first thing on the list. "You are strong."
"We don't mean strong like big muscles," Steve said. "We mean strong inside. We love the way you challenge yourself every day. The way you take on new things even if they're a little scary at first."
Catherine put her arm around his shoulders. "And we really love how you stand up for other people and for the things you know are right. That's not always an easy thing to do."
DJ laid his head on her shoulder. "Thanks."
"Next," Steve moved to the second item, "You have a kind heart. You go out of your way to be nice to everyone. You don't want anyone to feel left out. Mr. Francis always makes sure to tell us how you reach out to new kids, or kids who are having a hard time."
"And we're so proud of the way you encourage all your teammates and don't let them get too upset if they make a mistake," Catherine added. "One kindness, even if it feels like a small thing, can completely change someone's day."
Angie spontaneously hugged her brother. "You didn't yell when I spilled juice on your drawing 'cuz you knew I didn't mean to. You even helped me clean it up because you're very very nice."
He hugged her back. "Thanks."
Catherine continued the list. "You are smart. But more than that … you love to learn. You're excited to explore new things."
"Mommy and I love that you never do the bare minimum for your school work," Steve said. "You always want to go deeper and learn more about a subject. We love that you ask so many questions."
"Even when it means we have to make an extra trip to the library to check out another book?" DJ asked.
Catherine kissed his cheek. "Even then."
"Number four," Steve said. "You are fun to be with. Mommy, Angie and I love hanging out with you. Whether we're out somewhere like the park or the zoo, or we're just playing on the beach here at home, you make it fun."
"I love how you always play with Ashae and me when she comes over and you help us build super big sand castles and you make us snacks," Angie said. "And how you help me spot all the animals at the zoo and push me on the swings at the playground."
"Which kind of ties in with number five," Catherine said. "You include everyone. Not only your own classmates and teammates and friends but Angie's as well. And all of our family and friends. We love how you make everyone feel welcome."
"Next, you pay attention to details," Steve said. "You remember everyone's favorite things. Like how Uncle Danny likes his pizza and what Grace's favorite color is."
"And you know the names of all my stuffed animals," Angie said happily.
"I was gonna make Kendra chocolate cupcakes to celebrate when she made it to first chair in her section at orchestra but then you reminded me how much she loved my pineapple upside down cake. I'm so glad you remembered so we could make sure she got her favorite."
"That definitely ties in with the next thing," Catherine continued. "You're a celebrater. Not only for yourself but for everyone around you. You're genuinely happy for other people when they win, or reach a goal, or just have a special day."
Steve pointed to the next item on the list. "You are honest. Mommy and I know we can always count on you to tell the truth, even if it's about something hard."
"There's nothing we can't deal with and face together as long as we're honest," DJ said, repeating what his parents had told him since the day he came to live with them.
"That's right, sweet boy," Catherine said. "Daddy and I love that you always tell us the truth."
"I know what the next one says," Angie bubbled. "You are the best big brother ever! And you very very definitely are!"
"You are so kind and patient with your sister." Steve smiled. "We really appreciate the way you look out for her and set a good example."
"You're such a big help to Daddy and I," Catherine said. "We don't know what we'd do without you."
"And finally, number ten" Steve said. "You are brave."
"Not as brave as Angie," DJ chuckled.
"In a way you're more brave," Steve said. "Angie is fearless." He tickled his daughter's side and made her giggle. "She'll rush headfirst into any situation. Sometimes it takes more bravery to move forward when you're scared, or even just a little nervous."
"Daddy and I are so proud of the way you don't let those things stop you," Catherine said.
"There are so many more things we could have put on the list," Steve said. "These are just ten reasons of many. But right now we have a special birthday breakfast to make and then a party to get ready for."
"It's our biggest guest list yet," Catherine said. "Everybody wants to come and celebrate your double digit birthday."
"I'm so excited." DJ beamed. "Having so many people to celebrate with is the best gift of all."
THE END
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