my first-born, my life changer, my son. You are one of the two biggest achievements I will ever claim in this lifetime. I remember holding you as a baby in the middle of the night while the world slept and thinking to myself how blessed God had made me. I thought my heart wouldn't be able to hold all the love that I felt for you, but you showed me daily how my love would continue to grow. Now, as you are evolving into the man you will one day become, I'm in awe. I can see the greatness God has planted within you. Your intelligence, your humor, your loyalty, your honor. I can't wait to see what you will do with these gifts and how you can shape the world. I'm entering the toughest part of being a mother, having to let you go a little more each day. This distancing is a necessary part of growing up, as you continue to pull away to peers (or holing up in your room?) I can see nest-leaving around the corner and it makes every interaction with you savored and bittersweet. I'd like to share some insight with you from the feminine perspective as you continue on this journey to manhood.
Let God come first, your significant other come second, and let everything else fall in line behind these. With your heart devoted to God, all things are possible.
Seek out your career based on your passions and know that its never too late to change the course. It is always better to be happy, than wealthy.
Always open doors for women and pay the bill (even if she offers to split it). This will set you in a class apart. And if you detail your car before the date? You get extra credit! The "keepers" will notice this effort and appreciate the work you did on her behalf.
Buy her flowers on non-obligtory days and know what her favorite flowers are. For clarification, the "obligatory" dates are: Anniversary, Valentines, Birthday, Mothers Day (PS- your mom's favorite flowers are TULIPS!) That leaves about... 361 non-obligatory opportunities, so get to it!
Live by your word. Say what you are going to do and do it. If you can't meet your commitment, which sometimes happens, own the failure and don't make excuses.
Learn to share what you are feeling emotionally. I have never come across a legitimate mind-reader, so do not expect others to know how you feel without telling them. Opening yourself up to others is a really scary thing to do, but I assure you this skill is essential. Its only by communication can you build a successful connection with others, and only through the relationships you build will you truly LIVE LIFE.
Call your mother regularly - yes, I'm serious. (And the definition of "regularly" is once a week, but I'm willing to negotiate.)
You are never too old to hug and kiss the ones you love. You may come to regret having not gotten a last one in, so just don't ever put yourself in that position.
Never forget to give back to the world. You have been very blessed in this life and your gifts were meant to be shared. Do this passionately and with intention, you will benefit just as much as the receiver(s).
Make your bed! This speech captures all those big picture concepts I want you to understand and I've never heard more sound logic on why making your bed matters. :o)
I love you to the moon and back Isaac, no matter what (even when you are telling me to stop taking your picture....) Never forget it.
Mom
PS- go read all the things in your sister's letter as most of these probably need to have been cross-pollinated -minus the gynecologist ;o). Don't worry, I'll tell her to read this one too!
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