I gathered up my tissue box on my way to get started on this letter. I was sure I would need them. After all, if anything, I am predictable. I basically cry for everything. And this is kind of a tear-inducing sort of occasion for me, right? How can it be that my firstborn is turning 21? My baby is no longer a baby, and he really does not need me much anymore. I do not know where the time has gone or how so much has changed in the blink of an eye. But here we are, shuffling into celebration mode because my baby is officially 21!
When I first learned that I was pregnant, I was terrified. First pregnancies will do that. Fear of the unknown is a real thing. But as the months went by and you grew inside of me, little by little, that fear transformed into love. The kind of love that has no reason or explanation why, the kind of love that just IS (I promise you will understand this more later in life). I had no idea what you would look like or what the future would hold for you, but of two things I was sure: I was going to strive to be the best momma you could hope for, and I would love you till the end of time.
Leave it to me to make your 21st birthday a teaching opportunity. Nevertheless……. Let’s face it: my job is never done! I know that with each birthday of yours from here on out, my role as your teacher and mentor will slowly fade. Even though that is a difficult truth to accept, I will gracefully take a back seat so that you can flourish, excel, and learn in your own way and in your own time. Just know this. Whenever you need me, I WILL BE THERE.
As your momma, I would like to believe that I know you pretty well. I know what drives you, I know your ambitions even though they evolve, and I know what kind of person you are at your core. Essentially, I know your values. Keep them close; they will guide you through your life as you make decisions, plans, and career and life choices.
You are my go-getter. I know that you have big plans for the future, and I have no doubt that you can and will conquer the world. But just remember this…..whatever you do in life: be responsible, mindful or how things affect you and others, do things for the right reason, have fun, and ALWAYS give your best effort.
Unfortunately, failures will happen…..it is a fact of life. Use these failures as stepping stones to success, and never, ever give up on your dreams, passions, and goals. You are capable of great things. Although it is important to remember that alteration or evolving of plans can happen. Dreams change, but they do not prevent success. After all we are just along for the ride, since someone far greater than us created our bigger plan.
Cultivate meaningful relationships as you journey through life. Not everyone who enters your life will stick around for the long haul. And that is okay. Cherish the ones that stay (they are few and far between). Give of your time and energy to nurture these relationships because they will be a source of comfort and happiness when you need them the most. And if all else fails, CALL ME!
Practice gratitude in all aspects of your life. You have so much to be grateful for, even on the days when everything seems to be going wrong. Do not harvest the bad, just hide the mad, and remember to just shake it off. Choose to seek out the positives in every situation and acknowledge them because I promise they are there.
I am so proud of you. I am in awe of the man that you have become. As you turn 21, and as I wipe away the tears of joy and contentment rolling down my face (I did need those tissues, after all), I am reminded of the strength and resilience that comes with parenthood and the joy of seeing our children grow and learn.
I did not get everything right when you were little, but when you call home just to say hi or to see how or what we are doing, it is a blissful reminder that I did not get it terribly wrong either.
Your journey into adulthood is just starting and is full of promise. While I miss seeing your face as much, I know that it is the way it has to be. I think of you SO often. I wonder who you are with or if you have seen anyone other than Jelly in two days. I wonder if you are happy, like actually happy. I wonder if you are safe. It is a mother’s burden, really, but it is a burden I will carry forever. Your daddy and I cannot wait to see what the world has in store for you or even what you have in store for the world.
Your 21st birthday is an incredible milestone in your life. While there are many more birthdays and milestones to come, please stop and enjoy this particular one. Too often, as adults, we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to live in the moment. Do that today, tomorrow, and forever more. You only turn 21 once!
So, Happy 21st Birthday! Enjoy the day, the week, the month, and well, enjoy your whole life. You have worked hard to get where you are, but the journey has only just begun. Celebrate the person you are and celebrate the person you will become. Celebrate this special birthday and create memories because when you get old, you will look back and smile.
“Life is a journey, and memories are souvenirs we take along the way.”
Last but not least, I LOVE YOU and I am oh so proud of YOU.
