Happy Birthday to my baby boy!

Well, this post has nothing to do with Costa Rica or our adventure... it's dedicated entirely to my son, Jude. It's his birthday today... he turns 17 and I'm feeling nostalgic and sentimental. He's no longer that little boy... the one with the Spider Man costume... yes, the one he never wanted to take off... nor is he the boy who was known throughout the neighbourhood by his unique spider winter hat (this hat had a felt spider perched on top of his hat with eight legs dangling on all sides, which was rather distinctive and defined Jude as Jude for several years)... nor is he the boy who walked his dog, Frankie, before and after school on sunny, rainy and snowy days. That little boy has grown into a young man. He's not a follower: he stands his ground, and stands on principle. So much so, at the age of 16, he decided he would not follow us to Costa Rica, but rather stay in Canada and live with his paternal grandparents. That was a pretty big decision... an adult decision. i won't lie, it was hard to hear, but Kevin and I understood and respected his choice to stay behind. He's with family and obviously in good hands, so that certainly helps. We're in touch nearly every day through Facebook and today, we Skyped, which was extra special. Sometimes, nothing beats a face-to-face chat.

I have every confidence that he will find his way in this world. And I'm so proud! I can't wait to see where his journey leads him... or should I say... where he steers it.

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