Stay Wild, Little One

My middle son is a force. He is loud and in your face and outgoing. He yells when he should probably keep it down. He runs when he should probably walk. He jumps when everyone else is standing still. He’s the kid bound to giggle during the national anthem and bound to wiggle during prayer. It’s hard to stay composed when your mind has an endless run of adventure that creeps into every moment of your day. 

It is not that he is disobedient or rude or bad.

He is just full of life. And sometimes that life flies out of him full force when the world is moving at a more… regular pace. He’s the kid who dribbles the ball on the sidelines when he is taking a “break” from the game. Who runs and tackles you with an aggressive hug, just to say “hello.” The child who stops what he’s doing to dance when he hears music because any excuse to move a little extra is a great excuse for him. 

His laughter is infectious, and once he starts, he usually cannot stop long enough to finish his sentence. He wants you to laugh too. He wants you to feel. He wants you to join him in this place where the little moments are bigger than life, and life is worth soaking up one thousand percent!

He has been called many things… passionate, wild, crazy, energetic. And I wouldn’t argue with any of them. 

But he is also incredibly loving and affectionate. There is nothing he loves more than snuggling up to watch a show or be tucked into bed. He is kind and generous. The sweetest guy I know. He is always up for anything and his most common response is a friendly “sure,” because he really is ok with just about everything. He will always share. He will always give to those in need and worries over those who have needs he can’t meet. He wants to look out for the homeless and take care of the orphans. He sees needs that others may be slow to recognize. He doesn’t just see them. He feels them and empathizes with them, and starts coming up with a plan to meet them.

The thing about him, he’s coming up with a plan, and one day he will put it into action. Because he’s a mover; it’s who he is. 

I sat one day and contemplated just how wild he is. His spunk and zest for life is envious. His desire to bring out the most fun in every situation is a gift. I realized at that moment that he may be wild… But his wildness is what’s going to open doors to change the world one day. His wildness will keep him pushing through when others would slow down. His wildness will break records and break down walls and break through hard times. 

When I see other wild little boys and girls, I don’t flinch anymore. It’s comfortable for me; I get it. I beam with joy that they are fully operating in who they were created to be. Wild and fierce and free, with a big spirit that will one day do big things. When I see people who don’t understand wild little boys and girls, I pray that they can one day love one of their own. To know them is to envy their spirit and hope to be a part of their stories. To know them is to embrace them and tremble at the thought of them ever-changing.

So please, Stay wild, little one, stay wild. The world needs your spirit more than it knows. 

Jaime Mitchell
Jaime was born and raised in Monroe, LA where she studied Biology/Chemistry at the University of Louisiana. After graduating in 2004, she headed to NOLA where she didn’t know a single soul! Soon after, she met her husband Sonny and together they are biological, foster, and adoptive parents to 3 (or more) amazing human beings. She recently graduated with her Masters, works in Sales & Marketing and serves as a Chaplain for the JPSO. In addition to love for her family and those who are grieving, Jaime gets pretty excited about foster/adoption, photography, cooking, podcasts and camping road-trips with her family. 

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