Today is Chase’s seventh birthday. In an hour, Craig, the girls and I will sneak into his bedroom and serve his traditional birthday breakfast-in-bed. Before the celebration begins, I’d like to write to you about three significant moments during Chase’s short lived career as a six year old. Since my camera is perpetually lost, writing is my attempt to grab his childhood and hold it down while it sprints past.
Last summer, in my neighbor’s backyard, I watched Chase play a game of pick-up football with a group of his best friends. I laughed and realized that my Chase might never grow into the professional athlete that his daddy once was. Chase never came close to the end zone, or even to the ball, because he kept stopping in his tracks, again and again, to pick up every friend who’d fallen.
One evening this fall, Chase asked to be excused from the dinner table to get something from his back pack. When he returned to the table, he handed Tish a small chocolate chip cookie wrapped in a paper napkin. Tish’s eyes lit up and I asked Chase where he got the cookie. He said “It was Eric’s birthday and he passed out cookies at lunch.” I asked Chase if he decided to bring his extra cookie home because he was too full to eat it. Chase said “No, I wasn’t full. But I had two cookies and Tish didn’t have any.”
At a Christmas party, Chase and I sat down at a table with several friends to eat and talk. I saw Chase notice that my pregnant friend, Manal, was standing and eating a few feet behind us. Chase looked up and said “Manal, please, take my seat.”
These are the three moments, during Chase’s sixth year, that I was most proud to call him mine. And the fact that these are the three memories that stand out among so many makes me wonder.
I wonder.
I wonder if we’ll get to heaven one day, and we’ll stand in front of our Father, and we’ll look at his face and we’ll say,
I’m sorry I never got it exactly right. I never became who I wanted to be. I never became fearless or selfless or patient. I never became that perfect mother or wife. I never lost that weight and I let my kids watch too much TV and I never finished those projects I was always dreaming up. I never lived up to my potential in so many ways, God.
I wonder if He’ll say,
Yes. I was watching. I know those things were very hard for you.
And then He’ll cup our chins in the palm of His hands and turn our faces up towards His. And He’ll wipe away our tears for the last time. And He’ll say,
Remember the day you offered the elderly lady your grocery cart? Remember the night you were so very tired but you held your baby’s hand and rubbed her back while she cried? Remember when you brought food to your grieving friend? Remember when you woke up every single morning to try again? Remember how you never gave up? On yourself, on your friends, on your babies, on me?
I was never worried about those things you didn’t do. I was too busy watching what you did. And those little acts of kindness were the moments I was most proud to call you mine.
Happy seventh birthday to my kind-hearted boy. Thank you, Chase, for bringing me closer to God.
Beautiful, Glennon! What a treasure he is, and what a treasure you are to us!
I can't believe he is 7! How can that be. My Kate doesn't really remember him, all these years later and that makes me unbelievably sad.
Our Charlotte is 3 today. I didn't realize their birthdays are just a day apart. When my water broke at school 3 years ago I wish I had known it was Chase's birthday, that would have made it easier.
I know I'm a little late, but Happy Birthday Chase! What a sweet, sweet boy you have raised! I've only met him once, but I could just see love in his eyes. You and Craig have shown him a great example of how people should be treated – you should be proud!
P.S.
Chase sounds like a chip off the old Bubba block too!
Happy Birthday, Chase!!! When I think of this sweet boy and the dynamic duo that make up his parentage… 'the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree' comes to mind…
and then I remember the "party" picture that found its way onto your holiday card!
I kid I kid
I hope he had a fantastic birthday!
G-
HAPPY BRITHDAY to your sweet boy, and just look how life has changed for you since he was brought into your life. My hubby and I are starting to *think* about *trying* to have kids– and I keep thinking how very different (and scary) it will be. I thought the same thing as I reflect back on when we got our sweet dog Laney- 2 yrs ago, but even more so with a child– you cant drop them off at Pet Smart pet hotel for the weekend when we feel like getting away, and you cant put them in a crate when you need to go run errands. A life that has gone from all about "me", with marriage has now changed to all about "us" and then when we have a child its all about "them". All scary stuff but reading your post makes me think as scary as it may be, its also something very rewarding and transforming– god knows if and when we will be ready! Its just a matter of trusting in him! Thanks for sharing!
I hope Chase had a wonderful birthday!!
-GPS
Thank you all for the loving messages for Chase.
It was a great day. Except. I tried to make Chase's cake.
It wasn't pretty, but it was… well, existent? I don't really know what else to say about it.
pictures tomorrow.
love to you all, and happy birthday to brian and little jack and anna!
I'm just chuckling imagining that phone call from the NFL Recruiter…
Oh Glennon! It does go fast, doesn't it? Children are truly a gift. Chase, happy birthday! You are a such a giving little boy. I'm so proud of you. Great read today Glennon.
Happy Birthday Chase! What a beautiful boy you have, both inside and out. Sending lots of birthday wishes his way today.
A friend from Peru once told me that on a child's birthday, the MOTHER gets a gift too because without the mother, there would be no child.
Glennon, I think your gift you get for Chase's birthday is that you can remember those three moments where Chase's actions spoke louder than any words he could have said!
But tell Craig it's traditional for you to receive a gift as well…it might work!
K
Beautiful post Glennon! Happy tears are rolling down my cheeks…thanks for always providing extra meaning and inspiration. Give that birthday boy a big huge squeeze from all of his Monkee family
(and happy day of Chase's birth to you…can you really believe it was SEVEN years ago?!?!)
Happy Birthday Chase! What a special boy he is! He's definitely nicer than me, especially when it comes to cookies–what a sweet heart.
Happy Birthday Chasey. There is no doubt in my mind that Chase will become a writer too and he will follow in the footsteps of you and your parents. Your heart will burst even more than the time he gave Tish the cookie when he starts writing with as much passion and sentiment. I know you want him to stay young but I'm really psyched for him to become a man. It's gonna be soooo good.
Happy Birthday Chase! Truly an inspired and inspirational child! Thank you G, for bragging about him just a little, he deserves it!!!
What a great reminder! I loved that. How do you always manage to make me cry "good tears"? You truly inspire me.
Thomas and Danny were talking about Chase this morning.
Thomas: It's Chase's real birthday today.
Danny: Yeah, and he's not even gonna get presents. He's gonna give money to the poor people in Haiti.
Thomas: I'm not gonna do that. I'm nice, but I'm not THAT nice.
Good thing I have until October to collect T's sweet moments…Happy Birthday, Chase! And great job Glennon, on raising him to be THAT nice.
Could you maybe send Chase to my house when Hudson gets a little older? Then he can teach him ways to turn into such an AMAZING little boy. Also, could you please overnight him to Roanoke? I need a little boy like that in my class
Happy Birthday little man!
Abbey
I love this, so beautifully written. Thank you for the reminder to focus on the positive and the most important things in life.. some days it is much needed. Happy birthday to your sweet boy! ~Melissa
Happy Birthday Chase! What a sweet boy! Enjoy celebrating with him today!
Happy Birthday Chase! You are truly a rock star kid!
Tricia
Happy Birthday Chase!!! As usual G, beautifully written. I hope you all have a fantabulous day celebrating your precious boy.
Happy Birthday Chase. What an amazing heart that little boy has! Make big wishes!
Sweet tears.
Happy birthday Chase. Don't you just love the birthday breakfast in bed? I do that too!
I hope Chase gets hotdogs for dinner and I hope he gets buns with it, lol
Happy Birthday Chase! And congrats to you and Craig on the jump start of making an awesome man. Hang on tight to these moments, it was memories like these that got me through my first son's high school years. haha.
Glennon,
Happy Happy Happy Birthday to your sweet boy, Chase! I am VERY excited to tell you that today is my son, Jack's, birthday, too! He is 11 years old today. There must be something about this day that produces very sweet children. My Jack was the most laid back and happy baby. He has always been sweet. Thank you for reminding me of how well we are loved by Our Father and ow precious this time with our babies is. Time goes so quickly…
XoXo Susie.
Kristin, Thank you for letting me know about the update!
Cindy, Well said!
Wonderful post and Happy Birthday to Chase! What a sweet, dear heart.
Trying to type through blurry eyes isn't easy. How beautiful, Glennon. And that (not so) little boy of yours is beautiful all the way through. God bless him, that sweet seven year old!
Thanks, too, for reminding me to cherish the little moments in which our children shine…time passes so quickly it's sometimes hard to stop and appreciate the glimpses they show of us of their hearts.
Love to you and special birthday wishes to Chase!
XO, Michelle
Wow, what a beautiful and soothing reminder of His love for us. May we all stop striving today and just LIVE from the depth of His LIFE within us!
What a great post and a beautiful tribute to Chase – Happy Birthday Chase! It certainly must be a special day…my husband Brian and my daughter Anna (3) both share Chase's birthday today.
Thanks too for the simple words today to remind us that God is parent (mother and father) who loves us unconditionally and sees the good in us always. Its a good day for that reminder in my world!
Happy Chase's Birthday Glennon! Happy Birthday Chase! Hope you have an incredibly special day and year! Seven-year old boys are so fun!
Happy birthday, Chase! What a lucky boy you are to have such an eloquent and selfless mama who takes such pride in the well mannered, kind hearted boy she has raised.
Actually, Amy, when I, afraid and confused, told you that I was pregnant with Chase…your exact words were…"Oh my Gosh. Glen. IT'S YOUR TIME."
That was one of the first moments that I believed everything was going to be all right… That God had it all under control.
I love you, Ame.
Chase Melton is MY FAVORTIE! He always has been and always will be. I remember when you told me you were prego with him and my first thought was…this child is a gift from God. He surely is!
Hoping that Coop grows up to be just like him!
Happy Birthday, Chase!!!!
Love, Amy
Happiest birthday wishes to you Chase!
G – this is beautiful. Thank you again for reminding me of the important steps in life and for giving me hope on days when I do want to give up.
I am forwarding this to someone very special today. Thank you for giving me the words to help them.
-Courtney
Happy Birthday Chase!
Glennon, today's post is why I love your blog…Thank you for reminding me of the important things…Jami
Love it, love it, love it. Check out those pictures. First look at Chase's smile. And then look at your smile Glennon. Wow, just take that it in for a moment. That is what caught me after reading your post this morning. Happy birthday to you Chase. But also happy birthday to you Glennon, the day you became a Mom.
G, can't believe sweet, sweet Chase is 7 years old?! how can it be? celebrate him today with the knowledge that he is who he is because of the loving example you and Craig have set for him from day one and for the beautiful faith you continue to share with him each day. Love you and love Chase.
Happy Birthday, Chase!!
Love, Jess (and the rest of the McMichaels)
Happy Birthday Chase! I hope you all have a good day.
Hi Monkees,
Happy Birthday Chase!
G, Yesterday's post was thoughtful and insightful, full of Monkee love. And today's, well, let's just say I am still teary. As a mother of a very sensitive 7 year old boy, I would do nothing to change him. I sometimes wonder where he came from with that heart of gold.
I would like to be on Erin's list. Susie, there is an Erin update on the Momastery fan page…
Happy birthday, precious boy. I love you.