Dear Keith
Today is a big day, you turn 18. This day, years ago when you were born, felt like a goal line way off in the distance. Today, you are no longer a child, but a man. That’s hard for me to wrap my mind around, given it seems like just a few days ago you were just a little boy, running up to me for a hug with your sweet little voice and boundless energy. In many ways, we’ve grown up together. I was 21 and scared when I had you, but I was also young enough that I didn’t really know or fully understand just what a huge impact becoming a mother would have on my life until the moment it happened. In that moment you were born, I looked at you and you took my breath away. How could I love someone so much that I’d just met? After everyone else had gone home on the day you were born, I stayed up all night, marveling over you. I counted your fingers and toes, kissed your cheeks and told you all about the people who love you and all the things I wanted to teach you. I couldn’t believe that you were mine.
Parenting you has been the ride of a lifetime filled with unconditional love, laughter, joy, fear, frustration, and tears for both of us. I’ve worried about so many things, if I was doing what was best for you, do you know everything we were supposed to instill in you? Did I pray for you enough? Hug you enough? Say how proud I am of you enough? Discipline and say no enough? Do the right things to keep you safe? Take you on enough adventures? I see a young man I am so very proud of. Being a man of faith means being humble, having character, compassion, courage, loyalty. I see all of those things in you. Your values may not always be popular, but stand by them, there’s honor and respect for those who stand up for what they believe in.
Always speak your truth. You have a wonderful heart. It’s a good thing to be selfless, to listen, really listen, to others out there in the world. Those who listen will find real beauty. Seek patience, explain anger instead of acting on it. Apologize when you are wrong. Hug those you love often. Keep your promises. Work hard. Love full. I pray for you every day Keith. I’ve asked Him to help you grow in grace, love, honesty, integrity. I’ve asked God to bring you closer to His word, so that you will crave His word on the good days and the bad. I’ve prayed that you have respect for yourself and others. That you would have courage, kindness and generosity. I’ve prayed and asked for your life to be filled with great joy and perseverance. That you would have compassion and empathy for others. That you will be content with all that God blesses you with.
18 years ago, today felt like the goal, but now that we’ve reached it together, I know that motherhood doesn’t stop here. I will continue to be an ear when you need one, a shoulder to lean on and a powerful source of prayer for you. I am always praying for you, son. I am beyond lucky to be your mom. Happy 18th Birthday! Love you always.
Mom
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