feeling emotional

Dear Oldest

I know people say “don’t blink” or “time flies” but I just want to say holy crap- we are here!

You are amazing.

Your life started out 3 months early and you were a 2lb 9oz peanut with so much determination in your tiny pinky - you were destined to be a fighter.

And you were.

And you are.

It hasn’t been a smooth paved road by any means.

Therapies replaced little league.

Drs appointments often overtook after school hang outs.

You didn’t complain (honestly it’s all you ever knew).

 But this is what I want to say;

Life doesn’t go according to plan.

Have dreams, seek out passions, but have a plan b.

And maybe even a c.

Don’t listen to anyone who says you can’t.

Try.

You may fail.

Try again.

If you want.

Or don’t and move on.

This is your time to explore.

This is your time to test new waters.

(Also, be careful of new waters and keep your Mom in the back of your head telling you to trust your gut and make good choices)

You are bound to make poor ones so don’t beat yourself up.

We all have have been there.

You learn.

In 11 months you will be leaving home and will be on your own.

But never alone.

And remember,

replace the toilet paper

And wash colors in cold water

And look at people when you talk

Ask questions

Learn from the answers

Smile more

Don’t ever text and drive

Or drink and drive

Clean out your ears

Call your Mom.

She will be crying (happy tears of how proud she is of you)

(and how her 2lb 9oz baby boy turned into a kick ass amazing young man)