To My Son,
I am so lucky that you are mine. When the day comes that you no longer want to hug me in front of your friends for fear of seeming "uncool," I will kiss you on the forehead instead. I have grown to be an avid cuddler over the years, and you won't be immune from any attack. Be warned.
You don't have to play football. Or basketball. Or any sport, for that matter. Just promise me you'll do things with pride. Whatever it is that gives you joy, follow it earnestly. I don't want you to delay your passions, however trivial they may seem.
Strong has more than one meaning. Sculpted biceps don't mean anything if you don't have kindness and patience, determination and self-awareness. Exercise is an excellent tool, but don't feel as though your body has to be perfect. In my humble opinion, personality will carry you farther than six-pack abs.
If you stay up past your bedtime to watch "Saturday Night Live," I won't tell. I'll remember how much joy it brought me to sneakily watch when I was young, and I'll bring a blanket to come watch it with you.
Love who you want to love. I will pay no mind whether you bring home a boy or a girl, as this detail won't matter to me. I just hope this person makes you laugh. I will hope that he or she makes you happy, because this is what you deserve.
Be brave in your pursuits. Ask out the person of your dreams, perform the poem you wrote by flashlight late at night. Don't be afraid of the rejection or failure, because anything worth having will have risk involved. Calculated recklessness can bring beautiful rewards.
If you are gentle, I will not think you're weak. Being gruff or affronting may get you noticed, but being sensitive will help you connect with others. Use your voice to say something that matters, not as a tool to constantly steal attention.
It's okay to ask for help. If you get my stubbornness, this will be difficult for you. But sometimes, reaching out is the best thing you could ever do. Life can be heavy, so please remember that I'll always be willing to share some of the weight. There are times when solitude can be troubling, but never forget that I am your forever friend.
With Love,
Mom
