My Request

Hi buddy,
It's been a long time since my last letter. I can't believe all that has transpired in our lives in the past few months. All that aside, I'm happy to be finally sharing with you again.

The other night I was tucking everyone into bed, you know the usual routine. It's become so "routine" that I almost forget that it can have meaning. It was during your bedtime prayer that I had a new thought; I was filled with a sense of gratitude at being allowed to listen in on your conversation with God. I realized that the days of this happening are probably numbered as the things you will want to talk with Him about will not necessarily be things you want me to know. I felt very privileged to be hearing you ask for His guidance and His blessings on you and your family and friends. I was also keenly aware of the depth and sincerity of your prayer. You prayed for things and people I had no idea you thought of. I was happy to think that perhaps you are developing a relationship with Heavenly Father and that because of that, you will be more likely to be happy in your journey in life. I hope with all my heart that you will cultivate that relationship, trust in His guidance and seek His council. I can promise you that He will always listen and bless you with the things that you need. With that thought, I want you to know that sometimes His answers aren't the ones we want. Sometimes, it seems that He isn't even listening. In fact, in this world many will try to convince you that He is not there at all. I can assure you that He is. Your father and I have felt of His love and been blessed by His guidance more than you will ever know. I know Heavenly Father cares deeply for all his children and that most definitely includes you.

I also want you to know that I pray for you. Each day I pray that Heavenly Father will guide me to be a better mother and to help me listen and be patient. Mostly I pray that I will be able to teach you all that you must know so you can make the choices in your life that will return you to Him. I want nothing more than to be with you, your siblings and your father, in heaven.

Son, I love you deeply and that is not just an emotion limited to this lifetime. I know that if we can both make the most of our lives doing the things that Heavenly Father asks of us we can share an eternity of happiness together in the life to come. I pray that you will always seek to be close to Heavenly Father and do the best you can to live in a way that will keep you close to Him. Please be wise and humble.

I love you,
Mom

A Budding Young Thespian

Hey Buddy,
I am so excited that you took part in the local children's theater production of Beauty and the Beast. You were AWESOME! You played the part of the Prince and you nailed it! As I sat in the audience I couldn't help but think, "Why didn't I know he could do that?" I felt like anyone else sitting in those chairs discovering you for the first time. I was blown away by your confidence and skill and I am looking forward to sitting in those chairs many more times in the future.

Here is to discovering yourself and letting me join you for the ride!

I love you,
Mom

Carpe Diem

Dear Son,
I have been reading through my previous letters to you tonight and I've found that I have had some good things to say. I asked myself, "does he know I think these things?" I realized that while I am writing these thoughts, I am not expressing them well verbally. It's funny that I can write so many things like this and yet forget to say them to you each day. I'm sorry. I'm sorry if you don't know that I think of you like this. I'm sorry if you aren't aware that I am seeing you as a budding individual. I'm sorry if I let too many moments pass by without sharing my deepest thoughts.

I will do better. I know that you blossom when I share my thoughts with you. I've seen you change completely from snotty pre-teen to mature son when you have been validated and cherished. Every human craves those moments, (even I) and I know how great they can make a person feel. I promise to take more opportunity to praise and teach so that you know how I feel.

I love you!
Mom

Your Mother, The Over-achiever

Hey man,
It's been a while since my last post. I have been very busy, as you well know. It's parade season and since I am the one in charge of our city's parade, I have been busier than usual.

This concerns me a great deal. I worry a lot about whether or not my pursuits out side of our home are worthy of the time I spend away. Granted, it's not like I travel great distances but there are days when I spend a lot of time on the computer/phone.

First, I want you to know I love what I do. All of it. The parade chair, the PTA president and most especially, mom. I am grateful that your father feels it is just as important for me to enrich myself as it is for me to raise you. He is very supportive of all that I undertake and I hope that from this example, you will be that kind of husband.

Second, I need you to know that I think of you and your siblings in everything I do. When I plan a meeting, I do so when it will be least likely noticed by you. I try to make sure that if I have a day of "work" I make concessions on other days to balance it out. I pray every night that God will help me to have the energy and strength to do all that I can for you and our family and also to serve my community.

Overall, I hope that when you look back on your childhood you will do so with fondness and not resentment. I hope that my example of involvement will lead you to be proactive and involved. Too many people sit on the side lines hoping someone else will take charge. Someone has to take charge. You can be one of those people. You will have had the instruction and example and will know by experience that you can do great things.

I love you beyond words and every time I write these letters I am reminded how we are both learning together. Thank you for being my "trial run" and teaching me so much.

All my love,
Mom

Hey bud,
Here's another thing I've noticed lately; you've turned into super big brother to your sister. (You still have some issues with your brothers though.) I have watched you as you have flown her "supergirl style" around the house complete with the cape made out of old red fabric that you duct tape to her shoulders. She thinks you are the most wonderful thing ever. You have created the "super bounce" with her and on several occasions I've seen you carry her around the yard wherever she points you to go. Most of all I want to say thank you. Thank you for taking such good care of her. She will always look up to you and I know that I can trust you to keep an eye out for her well being.

It is at these moments I tell myself that you will be a good husband and father some day. I am grateful that God sent her to us so that you could learn tenderness and kindness and that you are choosing to learn those lessons. Again, thank you for loving your sister.

I love you!

Today's Advice

Don't be afraid to try something difficult. You will always be amazed at what you can actually do and in the end it's always worth it.

Be good. Do good.

Born to Greatness

Dear Son,
Your father and I were talking tonight about the small fortune we have spent on you this year. There has been much done to correct some educational lagging and also to give you great experiences. I was wondering if we should curtail some of our cash outflow with the concern that you might grow to think you have an entitlement to things considered by some to be "extras". After a lengthy and animated discussion I realized a few things; first, you have no idea how much we spend on various activities in which you take part and second, I would spend all I have to give you every opportunity in life.

I am growing up as a parent. (I'll bet you thought I was all grown-up.) I am comprehending now that you are really growing up too. I see you for the first time as the individual you truly are. Until this time, you were a child who needed to be parented. Now I am excited to see that you have interests. Mature interests. I feel excitement that you truly will choose a path of your very own. It is with this new found emotion that I conscientiously commit to encourage you in everything worthwhile that you wish to undertake.
I have been unsure as to how grand I should make my support. I realize now that because your father and I can give you great opportunity, you have an even greater chance to become great. I don't mean being the President of the United States or an studio executive. I mean a good, kind man who influences all he meets. I hope and pray that through your young life I will be able to offer you opportunity that will give you a unique and deep perspective on the world. I pray that you will learn empathy and hope, kindness and faith and also a powerful humility. I am grateful to know that God sent you here to do something in this world and I am equally grateful to know that I can help you discover your path to that end. It is my sincerest wish that you grow to achieve the greatness within you.

All my love,
Mom