Birthday note

This post is part of the Slice of Life - hosted weekly by Two Writing Teachers. Stop by their site to check out other writers!

Yes, I know many of you are hoping for the next portion of my story. It's been a busy week, though, and I couldn't do it justice. I swear, I'll have the next chunk up next week! 


(Did you miss the story last week? Check it out here... ) 


Anyway, I started a tradition last year of writing a note to my sons on their birthdays, so here is my note to my eight year old (his birthday was Monday). There isn't much "craft" to it, but it's what I wrote this week...

Dear Jared,

I love you. I’ve loved you since the first moment I knew you were going to join our family. I’m just amazed that you are already eight years old!

Your sweet grin with those amazing dimples always makes me smile. I love how you can find a way to laugh and joke about almost everything. 

My little boy, you are growing into an amazing young man. I’m so proud of all you have learned this year, and of all the good things your teacher has to say about you. She says you are becoming a leader, a helper in the classroom, and a hard worker.

You’re learning how to set goals for yourself, and how to keep going until you reach them. Finishing the Potter series was a major accomplishment for you, and I was so proud to see you be so proud of yourself.

I loved watching you share your love of Puffins with me and with the author of Neversink. It was so fun to see you open up that box and get your copy of the book – and then to watch your excitement when you got your adoption papers for your own puffin. I hope you always keep your love for animals, and for taking care of our planet, as you move on into your teen years.

I’ve also loved sharing my love of the Madeleine L’Engle books with you. When there is something that was special to me that you also love, it makes me so happy. I know you won’t always love the things I loved, but when you do it makes me smile more than you’ll ever know. I hope that when you find things you love, that you’ll share them with me, too.

You’re still insistent that you’ll become an inventor when you’re older, and I think you’ll make an amazing inventor. You are creative and intelligent, and I know you’ll find a way to make a difference in the world with your ideas and creations. No matter what you decide to do, I know you’ll make something new that wouldn’t exist without you.

Remember to accept help when it is offered. The strongest man knows when to ask for help, and accepts it gratefully. Remember that to learn means to make mistakes. Making mistakes is not just okay – it is part of learning.

Most of all, always remember that you are loved. Completely, totally, and without question. No matter where I am, no matter what comes, mommy loves you.