Nothing can Stop the Baertleins

Charles,
I found myself able to spend some much needed one on one time with you this afternoon while your brothers slept. I wanted this short moment to be special so we jumped on the trampoline, you spent some time jumping with Siuma since your old mom can’t jump as long as she used to. When Siuma went home we did some weeding, watered the garden, and then went to pick blackberries. We protected each other from the thorns and spider webs and found lots of “jackpots.” When I found a group of berries covered by a web I said the web wouldn’t stop me, to which you responded. “Nothing can stop the Baertleins!” I loved that! I love the important roles you play in our family. We continued to pick berries and discuss the upcoming changes, mainly soccer and 1st grade. You mentioned you were nervous. We talked about your amazing talent of making friends wherever you go, and being a good friend to anyone you see, and how that skill will always help you in school and sports. We walked back to the house with our berries and found one of your brothers had awoken. Charlie, it was a short and simple time we were able to spend together today, but I can see that you have so much good in your strong small, creative, and energetic body. Sometimes I don’t know how to help you direct your energy and excitement for life. Sometimes I forgot how willing you are to help and how you are just waiting for guidance! You are an amazing child with so much to contribute to this world. Thank you for teaching me to be a better friend, and to not be afraid of spider webs, as to reach for my goals because “nothing can stop the Baertleins!”

Love,

 Mom