Johnny is a fierce competitor, a loyal friend, and, of course, mama’s best buddy! As I’ve said before, when I grow up, I want to be just like him.

For a 9- and now 10-year-old, Johnny has experienced so much. He cared for Wolfgang for 14 months and had to say goodbye when illness struck. Now he has Colonel Fritz to carry the torch and help heal his heart. He has loved deeply, felt loss profoundly, and is loving just as fiercely again.

Johnny continues to love playing baseball, especially with his dad as a coach. He is dedicated, putting in the effort to improve a little more each day. His team is growing stronger, both in skill and in camaraderie. We feel so fortunate that Johnny has this special group of teammates to share these formative years with!

For Johnny’s 10th birthday, he and John were scheduled for an exciting salmon fishing trip to Alaska. Unfortunately, accidents happen – John got hurt working on the ranch, breaking his jaw and five transverse processes in his lower back, forcing us to postpone the trip. Fun fact – the picture below of Johnny having ice cream and cake was taken at Riverhorse on Main Street and they made a special meal for John that was their awesome signature halibut … pureed in a blender so John could eat it ;-). For Johnny’s party, we rallied fast! We quickly booked an amazing indoor kids’ spot where Johnny and his buddies made the most of it—bowling, playing laser tag, and tearing through endless arcade games!

Happy 10th birthday to my best buddy. Keep living boldly, loving fiercely, and being your incredible self!