Dear Sam on your 13th birthday

 Dear Sam,

Happy 13th birthday! I can’t believe I am officially writing a letter to my youngest teenager. As I do every year, I wanted to take a moment to put into words just how much I love you and how proud I am of the person you are becoming.

Thirteen is a big milestone, but you have already grown into such a remarkable young man. There are so many things I admire about you.  

 You are always the first one ready for a new experience or an adventure. Your up-for-anything attitude makes life so much more fun.

 I have to admit, you have truly mastered the art of persuasion. You have this way of talking me into almost anything! It’s a gift, Sam, so use it wisely.

 I am so incredibly proud of how hard you work. I see the effort you put into your academics and the grit you show on the football field. You don’t do anything halfway, and that dedication is going to take you so far in life.

 One of the things I respect most about you is your honesty. Even when you’ve made a mistake or done something wrong, you have the courage to tell the truth...even when it means "telling on yourself." Being trustworthy is a rare quality, and I hope you never lose that.

I absolutely love our talks. Your curiosity and those deep, thought-provoking questions you ask always keep me on my toes. I really appreciate the fact that you still like to spend time with me. 

You have such a wonderful sense of humor and a way of making everyone around you smile. It may be your birthday today, but I am the one who received the ultimate present. Being your mom is the greatest joy, and I truly feel like you are a gift to me every single day.

I can’t wait to see what this next year brings for you. Happy birthday, Sambo!

Love always,

Mom

Dear Jack at 16

Dear Jack,

Happy 16th birthday! You have been reluctant to celebrate this year, but I keep telling you that we have to celebrate one of the four best days of my life (don't you love how I made that all about me?).

I have been wishing so much lately that you could see yourself the way that I see you. You are wise beyond your years, empathetic, wickedly funny, intelligent, thoughtful, and kind. You truly are an amazing person, and I’m so proud to be your mom.

You have always been my child who is the hardest on himself. But here's what I want you to remember, especially on this big birthday: You are not defined by your toughest moments, your mistakes, or the things you didn’t get right. Those are just small pieces of a much bigger picture. The truth is, you have so many incredible qualities, and you have so much power to do good in the world, even if you can't always see it right now.

The journey to becoming yourself is messy, and a big part of being a teenager is figuring things out. You don’t have to have all the answers. Your worth is not tied to your success, your grades, or what other people think. Your worth is simply in who you are.

Your dad and I are here for you, always. We'll celebrate your victories, and we'll sit with you through the hard times. This world is a better place because you are in it, Jack.

I love you more than words can say.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy.

Love,

Mom

Dear Ellie at 19

Dear Ellie,

Happy 19th Birthday! Nineteen! It feels like just yesterday you were being placed in my arms for the very first time. I know I say this every year, but April 13 will always be my favorite date because it is the day I became a mom.  I remember staring down at newborn you and wondering WHO you would be. I watched as you grew into a little girl with the best laugh and a stubborn spirit, and now you’re a remarkable young woman forging your own path at Texas A&M.

This past year has been a whirlwind, hasn’t it? Your first year of college, a whole new chapter, and you’ve absolutely excelled. Straight A’s, leadership roles, becoming an RA...you’ve tackled every challenge with that incredible determination of yours. You’re not afraid to try new things, to push yourself, and that’s a quality I admire so much.

I’m so proud of the woman you’re becoming. Seeing you thrive, seeing you build your own life, it fills my heart with joy. And I love how our relationship is evolving. We’re moving into a phase where I can relax about the parenting stuff and simply enjoy your company. It’s a beautiful thing.

This year hasn’t been without its hardships. We’ve all felt the pain of losing Grandpa, and then you battling mono...it was a tough time. But even then, you showed your strength and resilience. You didn’t let those obstacles derail you, and that speaks volumes about your character.

I’m so incredibly thankful for your responsibility and trustworthiness. Knowing I can count on you, that you’re making wise choices, gives me such peace of mind. You’re pretty awesome, Ellie, and you make me so proud.

Ellie, I hope you continue to embrace all the adventures that come your way. Keep chasing your dreams, keep being your authentic self, and know that I’ll always be here, your biggest fan, every step of the way.

Happy Birthday, my amazing daughter. You are loved more than words can say.

Love you forever,

Mom

Dear Sam at 12

 

Dear Sam,

Happy 12th Birthday! I can hardly believe you're another year older. It feels like just yesterday I was holding your tiny hand, and now you're navigating the wilds of middle school like a seasoned explorer.

This past year has been incredible to watch. You've tackled the challenges of a new school with such determination, and I'm so proud of the hard work you've put in. You've ventured out of your comfort zone so much, and I've been amazed by your growth.

But even more than your academic achievements, it's your heart that truly shines. You have such a big, generous spirit, and your funny sense of humor always brightens my day.  I love how you always say thank you and express so much gratitude for both the little and big things you receive.

One of my favorite things about our relationship is how open and honest we can be. You're never afraid to ask me questions, no matter how big or small, and I cherish those conversations. I hope you always feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with me, because our bond is something I treasure deeply.

As you continue to grow into the amazing young man you're becoming, I hope you never lose that open, loving spirit. The world needs more people like you – people who are kind, curious, and unafraid to be themselves.

Sam, I hope you know that I'll always be here to support you, cheer you on, and offer a listening ear. Happy birthday, my wonderful son. 

Love you forever,

Mom

Dear Jack at 15

Dear Jack,

Today you are 15 years old. Sometimes I think of you as much older. You are so tall and strong now.  Your voice is deeper, and you have the vocabulary and quick wit of someone much older. I still miss that little boy who loved to snuggle, but I have loved watching you grow into the amazing young man you are today. You have a unique ability to see the good in people, and to make those around you feel seen and appreciated.

This year you started high school. You have been waking up early every morning to go to cross country practice; something you don't love to do, but I feel you have made some good friends on the team. I worry that I nag you too much about school work. The stakes feel so much higher now that you are in high school. It doesn't help that your dad and I are both teachers and have seen it all. You are so smart and talented - I want you to have all the opportunities and options available when you graduate. I struggle with trying to balance being a good parent while still allowing you to have independence.  As you become more and more independent, I hope you know that I will still always be here for you...no matter what.  You have my unconditional love and support, and nothing will ever change that.

Happy birthday, my Jack. I love you more than words can say.

Mom