Beginning a letter to you may be one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do. There’s simply too many emotions to be sorted out into one introductory sentence; gratitude, admiration, even love. I don’t need to tell you how special he is, because you already know, probably more so than anyone else. What I will share with you, is that he lights my life in a way no one else has. He demonstrates a peaceful power, without conforming to society’s expectation of a strong alpha male, and I am left in awe, both of him, and of you. I know it takes an extraordinary woman to raise a man so unapologetically himself. You shaped him into the gentle, kind hearted, and caring man that he is today. For this, and for so many other things, you have my eternal love and respect.

You showed him that emotions were something to embrace. He is connected with his heart and proud to show it, a very attractive trait. You have instilled in him a drive that makes him never want to stop working. But most importantly, you have taught him how to love.

You taught him the difference between strength and aggression. His temper is slow to build, and when it blows you have taught him that a message communicated calmly with assertiveness, is much more powerful than knee-jerk aggression, and it is this peaceful warrior stance that commands the respect of all who know him.

You established the value of family. He adores his family, which says a lot about you, and stirs something deep in me. You give him space to be his own person, but always make sure your time, wisdom, and your home are available when he needs the strength of your love. I admire that. You will forever be his first love, a precious bond that I always aim to protect. As we move into the future, I thank you for raising such an intelligent, loving man, who has already made this world a better place just by being in it.

Your son is what gets me through every single day. I was terrified the first time I met you. I was sitting in the car in your driveway, breathing in deeply, hyperventilating because I was overwhelmed with nerves. I want you to know how badly I wanted you to like me, but more so, I want you to know how badly I wanted you to approve of me. I considered you my family the first time I talked to you about my passions in life; I have never truly connected so deeply with another soul. I admire how much you love your son. I can see how much you care for him. It’s in the way you look at him, speak about him, and help him in any way you can. I want you to know that I think he’s very lucky to have you and I smile with pride each time he says, "you're just like my mother."

Whether it’s venting about a long day of work and school; standing by my side through thick and thin; sharing moments with me of love, kindness, and confusion – he is what inspires me to always give my best, to always try harder, and want to be a better person. I promise that I will strive to be everything that you want for him: respectful, kind, loyal, and someone who will fiercely love him with every ounce of who I am.

I could never love someone the way I love your son. I fell in love with him the first time we met; the first time his hands brushed mine; the first time of everything. I continue to fall in love with him every moment, of every day, for the rest of my life.

Love,

Jackie