"The Ty Factor"

I have a good friend who lives in Southern California. We grew up together in the Bay Area and she's one of the only "originals" I still keep in touch with. She and her hubby have 4 great kiddos who joined their family in the space of about 3 and a half years. Great story. One of "those" stories.

I remember during one of our trips to visit these friends we were talking about kids and they shared how they have "The Micah Factor." Yes, they have 4 kids. But they always have to consider "The Micah Factor." He is their wild child. The strong-willed one. The one who keeps everyone in the room on their toes. The one who is always running in high gear. The one who does everything with passion and gusto. The one who's emotions can take over. The one that just seems to take everything to the next level.

I used to think it was kind of amusing. I shouldn't say funny. But as a spectator it was something wild to watch. We all knew Micah was going to come up with something. I would reassure my friend that we all have those moments. She would respond with something along the lines of, "He is a continual moment. The moment never ends."

Nowadays I am feeling a little differently about this friend. I am so grateful to have watched her precious Micah grow. He has become one of the coolest kids because of that strong will. Because of those emotions. Because of his physical abilities and drive. Because of his hardheadedness.

And why do I appreciate this perspective? Because we are coming to realize we now have "The Ty Factor."

You can take any group of 5 kids (not just his siblings) that are perfectly content doing whatever is entertaining them and introduce Ty into the mix and it becomes mayhem.

If something is going to break it will be in Ty's hands or at the other end of something he kicked, threw, swung, or hit.

If something dangerous is happening it was Ty's idea.

If someone is yelling it is guaranteed Ty is nearby.

If you see some kid in a tree or on top of a structure that no one else's child would even think to try, it is Ty. Even if he was just standing next to you 10 seconds ago.

If someone is going to bust a hole in their pants or break a shoe it will be Ty.

If you give instructions, Ty will be the first one to do the opposite of what you just said and say, "I didn't hear you."

If you need to leave RIGHT NOW and everyone is finally getting in the car Ty will be the one to go back in the house to find his sun glasses or get a drink of water.

If someone is going to get gum stuck to their shoe and proceed to spread it all over the carpet in the brand new car (oh yes, less than 48 hours after bringing Bertha home) it will be Ty.

(Note: mom was able to get all the gum out with ice and razor blade... after hyperventilating.)

It's not entirely fair to make these absolute statements. But it is far too accurate. This boy is just always "on." He is always into something. He is always moving. He is always pushing someone's buttons. He is always pushing boundaries.

All of our kids have their "moments." And many of them have many moments every day. But, I am reminded of my friend saying, "He is a continual moment. The moment never ends." It is so true.

I am so glad to know Ty is going to grow into one amazing young man who doesn't yield to peer pressure. Who stands up for what he believes. Who is determined no matter what the nay-sayers claim. Who can do anything he puts his mind to. Who has the potential to change things, really important things.

It's going to be so fun to see... later.