Over the last 16 years there have been plenty of times that I have
asked myself – Can I do this? Can we raise him the right way, the way your daddy
and I know you need to be raised… I think so far we’ve done pretty well!
I need you to always know how thankful I am that God chose you
to be our son. You and your sister are the best gifts I have been blessed with.
As you move forward through life, I want you to know how proud
you make me. Every day you inspire me to be better and you give me endless hope
for the future. I know that someday you will be an amazing husband and father
to your own children.
Over the last 16 years I’ve learned so much from you, you’re laid back attitude, your deep loving heart for your family, your focus when you put your mind to something…..But I’ve also learned to relax a little bit more and to take things as they come.
Every day I wish I could stop time so I could enjoy you at this
specific moment, the current rate is just too fast for
me. I want to still hold you like I used to when you fit in my arms, I
wish for those moments but ultimately know I have to let go a little more each
day.
Yes, I push too hard sometimes and it is not because I want to
anger or frustrate you, but because I see so much in you. I want you to see it too, I don’t want you to
settle for just "ok" I want you to go further and reach all the limits you can!
I want you to go through life safely and to always
remember that no matter what roads you travel in your future that the path will
always be there to lead you back home. I
want you to make good decisions and there will be times you don’t – but that’s
ok, those are the times you will learn from.
I wish you laughter – the ability to laugh at yourself, because
there will be moments in life that you simply have to laugh. That builds
strength and character. I wish for you
influence, so many around you look at you – you have influence. Your sister
watches everything you do, always remember you are her guide and her best
friend. I wish for you to be a gentleman
– to always treat girls like ladies, be a friend to them, respect them – open
doors, give them your seat, always be kind and respectful. Treat them the same
way you would want your sister treated. I
wish for you honesty – This will be hard at times but being honest is the only
option. Be honest with yourself and those around you. I wish for you trust – learn to trust
yourself and stand by your ideas and beliefs. Never lose another’s trust in
you, it’s one of the toughest things to earn back once you lose it.
I could go on and on with my wants and wishes for you, but most of all I wish you happiness. Happiness with yourself, your life, your family, and the future.
You are my greatest “work in progress” and one of my greatest
accomplishments. As I look through photos of the last 16 years, I can’t help
but feel the joy of everything you’ve done and what the future holds for you.
I love you more than anything in this world…
