Will Ortiz III turns 16

They say the days are long, but the years are short, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s hard to believe our boy has grown into such a fine young man—he’s officially sixteen! Will has always been an answered prayer, a blessing we cherish every day. We’ve raised our children to understand that each of us is a precious gift from God, and Will reflects that beautifully. He’s one of my favorite people, and I cherish every moment spent with him. Will brings peace and confidence into every room, with his radiant smile, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humor. Truly, to know Will is to love him. We are so proud of the remarkable young man he has become and are so excited to see what his future holds.

Below are some fun and special bits about him. So if you have a moment read below to get to know a little about, Will Ortiz III.

1. I’ll never forget we were driving along and out of no where he says “Mom, do you know not everyone that is a doctor is meant to be a doctor?” I was puzzled at where that would have came from so I asked him what does he mean – could he explain it to me? He said some Doctors are Doctors, but they are not supposed to be Doctors. So profound for my 5 year old sweet boy!
2. He has plans to be a doctor. He is undecided currently if he will pursue becoming a Sports Medicine Physician or an Orthopedic Surgeon. His top colleges of interest are the University of Alabama, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisville, Miami, NC at Chapel Hill, Florida, Wisconsin-Madison, California – Los Angeles, and Michigan State University. So as he heads into his Sophomore year we have a lot to narrow down.
3. He is such an amazing person, truly! He just always has been so easy going. His name actually means ‘desires peace’. He loves the Lord, and it truly brings my Mama heart joy that he has a personal relationship with the Lord, Jesus!
4. He is funny and has the best laugh and when he really get’s going – his laugh is just legit contagious! He has a great sense of humor.
5. He has such a great smile. Such a handsome, brave, tough, fun-loving young man.
6. He is fun to tease and to tickle! I won’t reveal his trigger spots but I love tickling him just to see his smile and to hear his laugh.
7. He loves cheesy TV shows . . . like he is obsessed with laughter truly and when it’s his turn to choose a show he will pick shows like Practical Jokesters I have to say I never regret letting him choose a show because we are sure to laugh the entire night long!
8. He is Crazy Creative – Out of the Box thinker and very well thought out. When you ask him why very rarely do you get a ‘just because’.. he is usually ready and able to explain it and if not, he clearly communicates that he will have to get back to you once he has time to think about it.
9. Has a great sense of self and has this great ante sense of being able to lock in. He enjoys going to the gym, getting a good workout in, sometime of the gym floor to get his shots and ball-handling in and then some recovery time in the sauna/hot tub! He enjoys the good in life! He doesn’t have to have music all the time… he is much more drawn to something that will make him laugh otherwise is able to practice locking in and focusing on the task that is ahead of him. I’ll ask him often, what’s on his playlist before games and he has told me he just likes to lock in mentally in peace.
10. He is such a good listener and easy to talk to, You will walk away from a conversation with Will feeling heard and understood. He has such a great nature and is rather thoughtful.
11. He is an Amazing Big Brother. He cares so well for his little sister. They truly are Best Friends and know each other so well. Always there for her and she for him. They are little rascals together at times – driving me a little crazy. Being only 13 months apart it can be a lot of teenage energy for me but they balance each other well.
12. He is Super Intelligent. Was identified by his kindergarten teacher as gifted and talented and is such an inquirer. Strives academically still today.
13. He is an amazing artist his art is something you would see in a museum and or shop and want to buy! He is so talented and doesn’t share it with everyone so, I guess you could say that’s a hidden talent. His art work has been selected to be displayed at the Wustum Museum twice over the years but other than that he doesn’t display it and/or share it with many.
14. He has a great style sense. Has an eye for things that are unique and of great value. Good thing he is going to be in the medical field as he has really expensive taste but he doesn’t really require or desire excess. . . like he is good with a few good investments and goes basic with the other things.
15. Athletically Talented and Blessed. Is a great contributor to any team he is on. He has played most sports over the years. Basketball – his passion, Football, Soccer, Baseball and this year Volleyball. I’d say that Baseball was his least favorite. He thought it was so boring. He doesn’t like watching it either. Soccer he was so naturally talented and Football he enjoyed just wasn’t built for Football. Basketball is his love… day in day out, . . . Basketball All Day, Every Day! He is really hard and when he is in the game, he just brings balance and elevation to the team unity.
16. We are officially at the stage where he is just about eating us out of house and home. We call him the Breakfast Prince as Dad is the Breakfast King and he just loves making a good breakfast. This kid wakes up to make a full package of chicken along with waffles, or pancakes, eggs, bacon, a Dutch Baby I mean the interests and ideas are endless. I’d say the weekend are his favorite as he appreciates a slow morning, sleeping in and then waking up to make and enjoy a good breakfast. Will has a sweet tooth. Growing up he loved his fruit and veggies now a days I’d say he still loves his fruit but not a broad lover of veggies but a good steak with potatoes, followed with a good dessert, you are now speaking his language. He is rather daring with his palette of food. His favorite dessert is Caramel Brownies. However, Candy is his thing… his love for sugar runs deep!

We love him so much, he truly is soooo loved and a great blessing to our family! Happy 16th Birthday Emmanuel, we pray this year is your best year yet and that you continue to work hard and strive to achieve the dreams that the Lord has placed in your heart.

Happy Birthday Emmanuel, we love you with all our hearts. You truly make us proud every single day. So grateful the Lord blessed you to be ours!