To My Sweet Little Boy,
You were my biggest dream! Sure I dreamt of college, a wedding/marriage, vacations, building a home and a life, but all of those things included wanting a child at some point in my life! While a dream come true is amazing, you are even better than I could have ever dreamed! Everything I wish for you, you have helped me grow into! Because of you I am more brave than I ever thought I could be. I am stronger and believe that life is full of opportunity. I see color in the minor details and rainbows when the clouds roll in. You push me to be bold and confident, and to laugh uncontrollably. And even in the most painful moments when I thought I would break, when the tears would fall, one look at you brought me back to fighting stance. While I am your mama and I was many things before you, I will always be grateful that you have made me better. And I will always be grateful for you!
When I think of the amazing life you have ahead of you, there are so many wishes and prayers that flood my head. However, here are a few that I wish and pray for the most.
I wish for you a life full of laughter. Oh the joy my heart feels when you giggle! I wish for you to have friends that make you laugh hysterically and that our home is full of joy. They say that laughter is the best medicine in life and I pray we never forget to be silly together. You are so loved! When you were born, your "family" grew exponentially. So many people care about you! Love allows you to grow wings, and I hope you learn to love others the way they love you! There are times love can be work, it takes effort and forgiveness, but it is powerful and amazing! I hope you someday know the love of a child of your own if you so wish, and I know the giggles you share together will be endless.
I pray that you will always feel blessed. In a world full of constant dis-satisfaction, I want you to feel grateful for all that you (we) have. And with those blessings I hope that you develop a heart full of sharing and giving to others. I learned that when you give from what you have, whether it is time, energy, love, monetary items, etc ... you actually feel more blessed and have more to give! I am proud that you share your treats with me now, and your books, and many other things ~ and I hope you continue to share throughout your life, because you are truly blessed!
I pray you learn the important things in life like honesty and kindness. Because of what you have been through, I hope you realize that everyone is unique and that you extend kindness to those others may not. Be a friend other people can count on, play with kids at school who feel lonely, tell the truth. Being kind and honest is never the wrong choice. I see kindness in you now and I pray you nurture that amazing heart of yours and stand firm in it. You do not know what other people are going through, remember to treat them how you would want to be treated. Kindness can be hard sometimes, but I know you are polite and smart. Whatever you do, I pray you remember to never be cruel.
I wish for you to know the difference between right and wrong, and that sometimes those lines mean you stand alone. Don't be afraid to stand up for who you are, because those moments will define you. They will take strength and courage, but one thing I know about you, is that you are strong willed and brave. You are enough to make the world a little better, so believe in yourself and don't be afraid to make mistakes. It will be those mistakes that help you grow. Be a student and a teacher. Learn from every opportunity and be inquisitive. Share your gifts, your failures, and your success. You will touch multiple people along the way.
I wish for you the ability to dream! Dream big little one! I will always support your dreams. You can be anything you want to be! Use your knowledge for good, and be wise in your decisions. At the same time, be adventurous! Life is too short to not have fun ~ we have fun now, and I hope we can have fun when you are grown!
I pray that you know how important it is to always say goodbye and I love you. You can be mad at someone, or annoyed, but do not ever leave someone you love without letting them know you care. Both of your papa's died far too young, and both would have adored you. I told Papa Damschen I loved him and for that I will never regret my last words. Life does not hold a guarantee of tomorrow, take nothing for granted, for someday your loved ones will be gone.
It is my job as your mama to love you, and love you I do. While I hold your hand now, cherish your snuggles, and keep you close, someday I will be further away and I pray the things daddy and I teach you will stay close. It doesn't matter how old I become, you will always be the fire in my soul. My greatest joy. And even if time separates us or someday we don't see eye to eye, I pray you know I will always love you, and be proud that you think for yourself and because of those things, I will always be waiting with open arms.
I love you,
Mama
