When Jake and I first had kids 10 years ago, we had said that on their 10th birthday we would take them on some very special trip. But as the years went on and life happened, we realized that wasn’t going to happen this birthday. Plus, we wanted it to be something they would really appreciate (maybe it’ll be something we do for their 15th birthday). But as Bronx’s 10th birthday was approaching, I asked him how he wanted to celebrate. I told him he could do ANYTHING we could plan, any kind of party that he wanted! To my surprise he said, “I want another parade!” He was referencing the one that we threw during Covid when nobody was allowed to gather. That was my best effort as a mom to still celebrate him during such a rare time. People drove by, handed him a few gifts, and we came inside to open them in the privacy of her home. It was ideal for a high sensory kiddo!
But this year, when he told me that he wanted to have a parade I knew I had to step it up a notch. I posted it on our local Facebook page for our town and people started responding like crazy. Who would’ve thought so many people would want to celebrate a kid they probably didn’t even know. I had people volunteering left and right to come and support and say happy birthday to our son. I had no clue what the turnout truly was going to be.
As the morning approached, my family was scurrying around the house as they were designated to certain areas within the parade as well. My mom was Mrs. Claus, my dad was a driving reindeer, and our other son was a busy elf. The other grandparents were driving their truck with a special banner, and my husband was out putting signs to help direct traffic. As Bronx and I sat inside our home waiting for the “OK” to go outside. I could hear commotion in the distance. My sister called me from the lineup spot to tell me how insane it was outside. The cars just kept on lining up. Once I heard the marching band outside practicing, and my sister sent me a photo of the Tennessee Titans mascot hyping people up outside, it all began to sink in.
I began to tear up as I thought of all the people outside, waiting to celebrate our little man. Our friend was taking some video and told us that they were ready for us to go. We went outside and as I looked across to our local pool where only the walkers were lined up, I was so overwhelmed. They were probably 100 people, none of who I knew, waiting to come walk in front of our home for our “parade” The firetruck started off with a loud roar of sirens and their grand entrance. Followed by many friends, families and other businesses, driving by honking horns with decorated cars, bursting confetti cannons and shouting, “happy birthday Bronx!” and playing loud music. It was exactly what he was hoping for and more! He stood there in shock and with a huge smile on his face, waving and cheering.
And then came the walkers! Batman, (who used to be his favorite superhero of all time.) came, gave hugs, then along came 15 other volunteered superheroes and Disney princesses, each one of them taking the time to hug Bronx and say happy birthday, and even carry on a little bit of conversation with him. He was an absolute shock! Then Santa Claus came on his grand float, wishing him a happy birthday with a very ecstatic Buddy the Elf introducing him. At the very end, the local high school marching band came and played not only happy birthday, but two other songs right in our front yard! It was so unreal. Everyone hung out for a little to celebrate, say happy birthday, dance with Bronx and then they went along their way. I can’t thank everyone enough for the incredible support that they showed to our very special guy. Who would have thought that a 10-year-old’s birthday party would be an example of the goodness inside of people still.
We love you all
Happy Birthday Bronx!
P.S. Check out all the amazing photos below captured by the incredible photographer, Sarah! @oakhoneyco https://oakhoney.co/
