I’m always restrained when I write about Stefan (really, he is too good to be true), and he is essentially an understated person. He likes to fly below the radar. His English teacher is surprised by his muscles, “I thought you were just a literary sort,” while his track coach asked if he was thinking of going to college. Everyone at school was shocked by his ACT score–“I didn’t know you were smart!” and in the last few days he’s been inundated with, “You play the violin?”
But everyone, everyone, knows Stefan is kind, easygoing, a good friend. Never the center of the party, he skims the edges, asks questions, listens. People are important to him. And no one is more important than his family. No matter how immersed he may be in Physics homework, he’ll pause to jump on the trampoline with Mary, take out the trash, help Gabe tune the violin or discuss microbiology with Hans. He makes us laugh at the dinner table and weaves magical bedtime stories.
Because of his quiet personality, Stefan’s birthday has never been a big celebration. He never asks for anything, never makes demands or even requests and can scarcely settle on a favorite dinner (as long as we have bananas, peanut butter and bread in the house he’s happy). But for his eighteenth birthday today, I thought we needed a PARTY. For the last few weeks, I’ve been cutting, sewing, gathering supplies; I loved seeing his face light up when he learned it was for him.
On Stefan’s first birthday, I gave him this pillow:
He had a rough start in life and I could scarcely believe the fragile baby in the ICU had transformed into this giggling, running little boy. Somehow, the pillow survived several moves, various room assignments and all kinds of bedding changes; it sits on his blue chair serving as a book rest while he reads. Could there be a better theme for my almost-Spring boy?
Really good chocolate.
almost ready
the final touches
Since Erik is out of town, the Linkouses livened up our party with additional silliness. Lucky Stefan, we’re throwing another party Thursday with Erik and his parents.
Happy Birthday sunshine Stefan, you are a blessing and a wonder. Did I stay muted enough? I didn’t write the smallest part of what I feel. Everyone else may be surprised by your accomplishments, but not me, I’ve always known you are magnificent.
Blue
Whether or not you tell people how magnificent he is, it’s obvious. But it is fun to see peeks into his life and accomplishments through your eyes. And anyone who likes lemon and chocolate has to be AWESOME! 🙂
Happy birthday to la creme de la creme! ♥
Linn
That boy of yours probably doesn’t know that a whole family in Boston admires, respects and looks up to him. And maybe we will even meet him someday. 🙂
Happy Birthday Stefan! For all of your accomplishments, kindness is what awes me to the core. People that are kind are magnificent indeed.
Rachelle
You throw The.Best.Parties! Happy birthday, Stefan. Eighteen is a very big deal! :o)
ellen
There’s a lot of love under your roof. Happy Birthday to Stefan!
Mormon Women: Who We Are
Magnificent post. I keep thinking as I read about him what a lucky girl there is out there who will someday snag his heart.
Stefan is such an example of so many things. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of that sunshine with us.
Selwyn
The candle to cake ratio is PERFECT!
Happy Birthday Stefan!
Judi
Happy Birthday Stefan!
Claudia
LOVE the decor!!! Want to come help decorate my next party? Oh wait, we don’t have a venue… But, seriously, how do you describe a ray a sunshine? Just say, Stefan, that’s all.
martha corinna
Wow. Your birthday parties are pretty awesome.
Tracy
Happy Birthday, Stefan! You are amazing and a treasure and for sure so many rays of sunshine. xoxo
Cath
Sunshine everywhere. I’m glad you went all out for Stefan. He deserves it. His goodness, his light, cannot be missed. It’s in his eyes, as well as your words. Happy Birthday Stefan!
Mitchell Family
Oh my it turned out better than I imagined. You certainly know how to throw a party. Thank you again for making sure John had a birthday party during your visit. Ruth
Happy Birthday Stefan! We all love you!