tru berry

Ever since January has arrived Tru Evelyn has announced a daily countdown to all as to how many days until her birthday. Sometimes I’ll be told more than once in a day how many sleeps before she turns 8. Maybe she’s nervous the birthday fairy is the same as the tooth fairy (who is obviously a washed up loser in these parts) and she’ll be let down big time. Rest assured, Tru Berry… I fired the tooth fairy long ago (and now pay up on the spot) and thankfully I don’t have to tuck your birthday under your pillow at night. You will be creeping downstairs soon to find a goody bag your dad packed full for you, and all the accolades you anticipate. We could never, ever forget you, baby.

That’s a great way to segue into how truly unforgettable she is. Personalities like Tru will not be ignored. You will hear her out until the very end of what she has to say. You will always know where she stands on a matter. There is no indifference to her—she is hot or cold. So, you’re either receiving her warm, attentive, nurturing care or you’re being screamed at. I like to think my son Teague will be ready for anything in marriage after enduring four sisters, and the biggest boss of them all, younger sister Tru. 

I never know what she might say, that Tru Evelyn. She’s reflective and reactive, dramatic and thoughtful. She’s a lot of extremes stacked up into one tall gal. Her mind never quits—always thinking and creating. She loves to learn and teach what she’s learned. She wants to implement things straight away. When she gets a wild hair of an idea, she’s off to the cupboards and cabinets and drawers. And, she is a world of messy. But most creatives are, so I get it. She likes to leave all her ideas strewn across the tables, counters, and throughout the house. It’s just the price we pay to keep her mind satisfied. 

Tru is persistent and forgets nothing. She’s the kid who takes your hypothetical and mindless suggestions as gospel-sworn oaths. I have learned to not even THINK an idea in her presence for fear she will read my mind and declare it done. She’s also a critter-loving mama and is unable to step outside without petting the cats. She says she “speaks cat” and knows what they’re saying and feeling. I believe her, as I also know. I often find that Tru has slipped away to apprehend an animal and hold it captive in the hammock with her. She’s the kind of girl who will MAKE you love her, whether you’re on board with it or not. 

She’s a health nut and can’t tolerate sugary, rich foods. She has declared she’s on a “healthy diet” (her eating doesn’t change) and I think it makes her feel like she’s doing something right. She likes to be right, even when she’s wrong. 

Today she’s wearing her hot pink jacket with her birthday girl button to school. Again, she won’t be forgotten. Then tonight we take her for sushi, per her request. She’s never had sushi but she’s been bugging me to buy seaweed. This girl is something else. 

Tru, today IS your day. 10 pounds, 2 ounces, a little name and a great big game. We just knew you would be a force to be reckoned with. And I reckon much of that is from your mama which means your daddy is the perfect man for you. He gets you better than you get yourself, so I’m happy to refer you to him when you’re quite unmanageable. 

I’ll have your healthy birthday cake waiting for you when you get home, birthday gal.