Happy Birthday, Will Turner!

Today is William's birthday. At this point -- 3 birthdays in a row later -- we are all pretty worn out of cake. We have had kind of an ongoing party since Thursday.

William turned 7 this year! Next year he will be getting baptized, and we are so excited for him. Someone will have to step in for his daddy for the baptism, but I am sure it will work out beautifully.

William is a really fun boy. He is full of life and silliness. He is always saying and doing the funniest things. He also tries really hard to keep up with his older brother and sister. William loves to be outside, especially playing in the dirt. He is currently digging a hole to China in our backyard, with Daniel.

I was worried the most for William, with the passing of Charles. He is at a very tender age where I thought it would be more difficult for him to understand and handle things. But my worries have been quickly put to rest, as William informed me early on that daddy still talks to him.

For example…

The other day, I was talking to all the kids, and expressing my gratitude for how Charles used to teach us how to do things -- sometimes he would teach with great passion in his voice. Charles was very particular about how things were done around the house. He would teach us how to properly load the dishwasher, or properly fold the towels, etc. Sometimes he would get a little too excited about it. (I am guilty of the same thing!) The reason for his "excitement" was because he used to work in those kind of industries, and he learned the professional way how to do things (like folding towels) right. As I was talking about this with the kids -- truly expressing gratitude for all the things he has taught us -- William came over to me and whispered in my ear, "Daddy told me, to tell you, he is sorry." I missed it the first time he said it, so I asked, "What did you say?" William repeated that Daddy said he is sorry. I wish I could describe to you the feeling this gave me, but it is kind of indescribable. I was enveloped in a warm confirmation of the word "sorry."

We are all sorry for silly little things, I am sure -- but none of it matters now. All that matters now is how much we love each other as a family. All that little petty stuff has disappeared. As it should. I just think it is so sweet that Charles is still saying he is sorry, and that he told William to tell me. Love it! "I'm sorry," are some of the most powerful words in the world!

I am so glad that Charles talks to his William. May that continue throughout his lifetime.

William also says the sweetest prayers now. He prays that Heavenly Father, Jesus, and Daddy will protect us. And you know what, I think they all will.

Love you, William! Happy Birthday!

Charles has been whispering in William's ear for a long time… may it continue forever!