Hard to believe that I met Gabe before he turned double digits!
He was charismatic, confident and so comfortable talking to adults! That has not changed as he officially heads into his mid twenties!
What a whirlwind of the past couple of years! Marriage, graduation, acceptance into law school, frustrating green card applications, COVID, not being able to come home… so much happening! The ups and downs of life – he has taken it all in stride! We are so proud of everything he has accomplished and the integrity and hard work he has accomplished it with! He has really tapped into his strengths, faced his fears head in , and we are so excited to see him thrive in this next stage of life in law school!
We are also super super excited to have him and Shannon come home in a few weeks! Never will we have to wait so long between seeing them again (now that he has his green card!)
Let me share with you 10 things I love about Gabe (in no particular order!)
1. He is hilarious. He seriously just makes you laugh and laugh. He is entertaining and his energy is contagious!
2. He is hardworking. Not always the case… haha. But that’s what makes it even more incredible. He was never “a student”, then he became “a student” – through hard work and perseverance. He upped with work ethic and saw the benefit of how far he can take himself!
3. He is filled with knowledge. He knows so much about so much!
4. He is curious – this has always been one of my favourite things about him – his curiousity for everything! He is not afraid to not know, and he will go find out.
5. He is a very loyal family guy. I see it with Shannon – his love and commitment to her is so strong. And I see it and feel it within the CDF family. He never misses connecting with us twice weekly, is always quick to respond to texts, and sends them regularly (often including funny things, past memories, photos; cares about what’s happening with his siblings and is investing in their relationships too). I have no doubt that he will always be there for everyone he loves.
6. He is passionate – about his beliefs, his work, his dreams, his interests. He will achieve anything he wants
7. He is a great husband (from my perspective lol). He is supportive, caring, committed, interested, vulnerable and dedicated. They really have grown together and are such a good partnership.
8. He is articulate. I’m not surprised at all that he is going to be a lawyer! He is an eloquent speaker and has great critical thinking skills.
9. He is humble. It’s a beautiful quality to have. He seeks feedback and advice, seeks ways to grow and learn. He apologizes, he forgives, he puts his guard down, he shows vulnerability. I see this in his faith and spirituality as it has grown over the years. It’s a tender side.
10. I’m totally biased but Gabe is so much like his dad! And since I am fully and completely smitten with his dad, then you know that being like his dad is the highest compliment I can pay Gabe! The wisdom, the passion, the loyalty, the humour, the goofiness, the commitment, the frustration, the hard work – they are very similar and I love how they are so invested in each other and their relationship. Beautiful to see.
I am so grateful that I have been around long enough to see Gabe grow from a little boy into the amazing man he is today! And I look forward to watching him continue to become who he is meant to become! Happy 23rd birthday! Love you more!!!
