Izayah: rated exceptional, every month

Izayah is my thoughtfulest son I have ever not known about

Sets me off every single time he gets a proper sear on a steak. Loud, stressful, frankly disrespectful to me. The steak is always perfect, though, so I can't give fewer than four.

Seasons me after every single use. Never once left me soaking overnight. The smash burgers we make together have made grown adults go quiet.

He always gives me to whoever is cold, then sits there freezing and insists he's fine. Too selfless. It's honestly becoming a problem.

Calls every Sunday without being reminded. Remembers my doctor's appointments better than I do and asks how they went. I raised him right, if I say so myself.

Gets all the way down on the floor to say hello. Every time. Knows the exact spot behind my ear. Ten out of ten scratches, would wag again.