What a ride this must have been... 39 year old you driving around 6 year old you, 10 year old you and 17 year old you. A road trip with you guys trying to figure out where each of you wanted to stop and eat and listening to each one asking "are we there yet" over and over and over again. How comforting to know that you really weren't alone and that you still aren't alone on this journey. You always have you to come back to and from what I know about you, I can see why they all want to keep hanging out with you.
If only our six year old selves could have had the awareness of what our little six year old friends were going through.
I can't help but think that my six year old self would have loved to be friends with little six year old Clayton. (yes Clayton I am aware that I have a few years on you. No need to point that out) I know we would have recognized each other's pain. If I also could have told you that all the bumps in the road would make you the funniest, the strongest, most kindest and gentlest handsome soul. If you could only see what I see.
I can't wait to meet the guy that recognizes how truly awesome you are. You must admit that it is really hard to find all these qualities in one soul But wait there's more... I left out smart and creative. Happy Birthday my friend!
I read every word and felt so much peace. Happy birthday. This part especially resonated…
“Life is wild, my friend. You get kind of used to being the last to know things: even when it comes to your own self. Especially when it comes to yourself.”
Happy Birthday! 🎂🥳 Thank you for sending this to me.
I decided to join Substack so I could read it in the original space where you posted it. It felt like a way of honoring the fact that you shared it with me, which probably sounds totally weird, but whatever 🤷🏽♀️
I'm so glad I did, because I got the unexpected gift of listening to you read it rather than reading it myself and trying to hear it in your voice. That was such a welcome surprise.
I enjoyed this very much, just as I've genuinely enjoyed seeing you every Monday and Friday. Friday has always been a day I look forward to, but now Monday is too, and you're a big part of that.
Thank you for everything you are and everything you give. You're the kind of gift that increases the value of every room you enter 💗
I hope you have a truly wonderful birthday. You deserve to be celebrated today 💕🫶🏼💞🫂
I’m grateful for young Clayton because without him I would never have met my best friend. Happy Birthday, love you dude 🩵
Beautiful my friend. And so well said. Happy birthday to you and all versions of you! 🤍
🧡
What a ride this must have been... 39 year old you driving around 6 year old you, 10 year old you and 17 year old you. A road trip with you guys trying to figure out where each of you wanted to stop and eat and listening to each one asking "are we there yet" over and over and over again. How comforting to know that you really weren't alone and that you still aren't alone on this journey. You always have you to come back to and from what I know about you, I can see why they all want to keep hanging out with you.
If only our six year old selves could have had the awareness of what our little six year old friends were going through.
I can't help but think that my six year old self would have loved to be friends with little six year old Clayton. (yes Clayton I am aware that I have a few years on you. No need to point that out) I know we would have recognized each other's pain. If I also could have told you that all the bumps in the road would make you the funniest, the strongest, most kindest and gentlest handsome soul. If you could only see what I see.
I can't wait to meet the guy that recognizes how truly awesome you are. You must admit that it is really hard to find all these qualities in one soul But wait there's more... I left out smart and creative. Happy Birthday my friend!
Beautiful piece, brother. Happy birthday. The "Universe" gave us the same name and the same birthday, so we should hang more often. :)
I read every word and felt so much peace. Happy birthday. This part especially resonated…
“Life is wild, my friend. You get kind of used to being the last to know things: even when it comes to your own self. Especially when it comes to yourself.”
Happy Birthday! 🎂🥳 Thank you for sending this to me.
I decided to join Substack so I could read it in the original space where you posted it. It felt like a way of honoring the fact that you shared it with me, which probably sounds totally weird, but whatever 🤷🏽♀️
I'm so glad I did, because I got the unexpected gift of listening to you read it rather than reading it myself and trying to hear it in your voice. That was such a welcome surprise.
I enjoyed this very much, just as I've genuinely enjoyed seeing you every Monday and Friday. Friday has always been a day I look forward to, but now Monday is too, and you're a big part of that.
Thank you for everything you are and everything you give. You're the kind of gift that increases the value of every room you enter 💗
I hope you have a truly wonderful birthday. You deserve to be celebrated today 💕🫶🏼💞🫂