Happy birthday to the human being who made me a mom. Dropping you off at college was hard and not seeing you on your birthday, for the first time ever, may be equally as hard. Even so, I celebrate you from afar (no, actually, we are getting dinner from your favorite place in the world-Chipotle- because your brothers class fundraiser is there tonight and it feels so wrong). You, kid, not only made me a mom, but have done so much more. Perhaps I can think of 19 things to be exact. Here, let me try…

  1. You have taught me patience.
  2. You have taught me what it looks like to fear not (as I watched you hang from and climb to the highest of places, with no net or harness.
  3. You have challenged me.
  4. You have inspired me.
  5. You surprise me.
  6. You push yourself to improve.
  7. You motivate yourself and others
  8. You have always had a hunger for knowledge.
  9. You are a deep thinker and an old soul.
  10. You embrace your inner nerd and make it look so cool.
  11. Your Rubik’s cube solving while bouncing on a pogo stick will always amaze us.
  12. You are a really fun person to be around and can always entertain us.
  13. You treasure quiet time.
  14. You are brilliant.
  15. You are an all-around great athlete.
  16. You can sing and play recorder to Celine Dion better than anyone I know.
  17. You are a good big brother.
  18. You are a good son.
  19. You have an amazing future ahead of you.

Dream big, work hard, have fun, and live a life of faith.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Love,

Mom

PS- Enjoy those cookies.