There is no one quite like Hudson.

He has a sense of exuberance that defies reason, a penchant for silliness that is endless, and an unquenchable obsession with sport and technology.  That he would hold on for nine excruciating days and burst into the world on New Years Day makes absolute sense to me now that I know him.

Hudson’s entry into this world was difficult, to say the least – marred by health problems and the absence of a number of developmental milestones. There were times when I lamented this fact, wondering how we would ever help him catch up.

And then, suddenly, he did.

With the help of funding from the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), we were able to access speech pathology from an incredible speech pathologist (Dave’s sister) and he spent a year developing his gross motor skills at Ready Steady Go Kids. It didn’t happen overnight, but somehow, step by step, he caught up and was able to start school from a place of confidence.

Hudson is nothing if not a hard worker and he refused to let his false start to hamper him. All those hours spent in ‘rest time’ with Dave impacted him, and he set himself up at a desk, ‘writing’ (at first in an indecipherable script) notes to himself that were, no doubt, filled with grave importance. He put together presentations (complete with slide shows) and delivered them with a passion and a gravity that was inspiring (and quite hilarious).

Friendship is incredibly valuable to Hudson, and we witnessed that in his sheer enthusiasm for his classmates this year. Spending many mornings drafting lengthy letters to his friends, he would also beg me to arrive at school late to pick him up so he could have just a few minutes longer to play soccer with them. We hosted a Dragons-themed belated birthday party for him in March last year and it was so nice to get to know the kids who already meant so much to him, as well as their lovely families.

Dave’s dream of having basketball-obsessed sons took a hit this year, unfortunately, due to their ever-growing obsession with soccer (yes!) and Hudson has been begging me for months now to borrow as many books as I can that are related to the sport. In the holidays, his Ronaldo kit has been his uniform and he has dragged Eli into it as well, the two disappearing into the backyard for long stretches to practice their drills and skills.

Hudson’s greatest strengths also drive us crazy – his love for his siblings often crossing over the line and causing disgruntlement when he fails to register personal space boundaries or insists on helping those who are perfectly capable of assisting themselves. And his excitement for life often causing him to knock over things or overwhelm others, when that wave takes over. He’s lost more balls than we can count over the back fence despite Dave erecting a high-net around the perimeter (and manages to react with the same level of dismay and surprise each time).

This year, for the first time since he was three, Hudson graduated to sleeping in his own room for the entire night! We’ve gone from Dave having to drag couch cushions into his room every night, to Hudson sleeping beside our bed on a cot mattress, then in our wardrobe, and then finally – he just got it. If not for the clock and our stern instructions not to emerge before 7:00, he would be quite happy to start the party from 5am. Hudson is, unashamedly, a morning person.

This birthday we gave him the reigns – letting him pick the activity (Gumbuya world), the menu (weet-bix for breakfast, fish and chips for lunch, and hot dogs for dinner with a chocolate and salted-caramel layer cake with white chocolate bits on top), and the presents. Dave scored an incredible deal for a second-hand electronic drum-set, meaning we had to take a trip out to Sunshine West and air out the choking smoke fumes that had set into the pads, but it was absolutely worth it. The look on Hudson’s face when he got to have a first hit was like he had finally come home.

The weather was perfect for a turn at the Dodgem cars and rollercoasters, and we finished off in the new wave pool at Gumbuya world. All the grandparents came over for our hot dog dinner and we were treated to our first (of many) concerts from Hudson and the others.

Seven years of Hudson. Hard to believe, but this boy is growing up and coming into his own so much faster than I thought possible. He is a force to be reckoned with, a heart that breaks out of his body, a passion that is unconstrained.

And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

…

Dear Hudson,

There is something untainted in you – a sunshine that cannot be dampened by the greyness of the world. You exude life and light. You fight for your family and you are fierce in your love of all in your circle.

It took me a while to realise this. Your first year was so hard and it broke us all a little. I wish we had the knowledge we needed to help you at the time. I’m sorry for the ways in which I failed you during that difficult time.

Thank you for being unashamedly yourself. For your single-minded focus and determination towards the things that matter to you. You will change the world one day, my boy. Perhaps you already have.

You told me very seriously once that the universe was in your mind. Something in the way you said it made me sit up and take notice. Your way of seeing this place is challenging and profound. With your dreams of places from long ago and your passion for all things related to Jesus, I am convicted by your simple faith and devotion. 

Life with you in our family is like a constant adventure. We love you dearly, even when telling you to tone down your silliness or find words rather than nonsensical sounds. Your energy buoys us and we are all the better for it. 

Your presence is a gift to us all. Thank you for being the unique and hilarious boy that you are. 

Love always,

Mum