Wordful Wednesday~ Lucky 13

It's finally happened. I'm a mother of a teenager. My sweet, chubby faced first born son has turned 13. Gone are the days of playing Lego's, army men & hot wheel cars. Now it's all about his cell phone, video games & hanging out with his friends. Thankfully, there isn't' a girl obsession.. yet. That can wait for a few more years. Here's a letter that it's going in his scrapbook.

My dear first-born,

Here we are. You've entered the wild world of teenage hood. It seems like only yesterday I was rocking you to sleep and holding you in my arms. Could it really be that same little boy I walked into the first day of school is now in the 7th grade? I look at you and I see you as a toddler; I see your round face looking at me to tell me how much you love me; I see this boy who is turning into a man in front of my very eyes. I wish there was a way to keep you that same little boy so I could still hold your hand and protect you. I want to keep you from going up too fast.

The next few years are going to be fun, exciting and also difficult. Being a teenager, you begin to learn who you are. You discover likes, dislikes, and how to push your parents' buttons. I'm not ready for the rebelliousness that I'm sure is coming, but I want you to know that I will always love you. Even on the hard days, I will be there for you. When you feel like you can't talk to me, know that I no matter what you say or do I will always be on your side. I can't promise not to get mad, but i can promise to always listen. I'm positive I'm gonna yell especially when you argue with me, roll your eyes and refuse to clean your room. Just remember, I was a teenager long before you and there's nothing you're gonna do that I haven't done or tried.

I can look at you now and see so much of myself. You're stubborn and hard-headed, but also so kind with a big heart. One of my favorite memories of being pregnant with you sister is of a day when I was exhausted. I could barely drag myself out of bed to take a shower, let alone take you to school and go to work. You crawled up on the bed with me to ask if I felt okay. I must have looked terrible, but you put your arms around me to give me a hug. You told me that hugs always made you feel better. And now, I love the fact you aren't too big to cuddle. You still love hugs and don't get too embarrassed by me. I hope it stays that way just a little while longer.

As you embark on this new time in your life, I have a few words of wisdom. I know... you already know everything (that goes with the age), but trust me & hear me out.
Know that I love you. I love you unconditionally. I want you to enjoy life, have fun, make it an adventure, but always know where home is. Love your sister and brother; they're your family and family is everything. I know that being the oldest can be burdensome, but they look up to you. Cherish your friends, the good ones will support you when you have problems. Be patient and kind; Be understanding and tolerant- not everyone can be as fortunate or clever as you are. Respect your elders. Even though you may not always think so, they have lots of wisdom. We can learn from those you went before us.
Happiness comes from inside and is a choice. Please choose to be happy. You deserve it.

Love you forever, like you for always.

Mom