To My Son.

Next year my oldest will be starting high school. We were able to write something to him for his yearbook, and I happily accepted the challenge. Reading the fine print? Yeah, not so much my strong suit. So apparently I was only allowed a certain amount of words, and well, I went over that big time. But just like everything else in life, I had to edit. This in turn shortened it by a sizable amount. However, I figured I wouldn't let my hard work go to waste and share with you the letter I originally wrote to him in it's entirety. He really does make me smile. From the little boy who had to wear braces on his legs for years, to a young man who is killing it on the Track and Field team, he makes my heart smile. His desire for success, never ending.

So without further ado, here's the letter I WANTED to be put in his year book:

We have watched you grow and mature before our eyes. 

We have witnessed you overcome adversities and underestimations.

We have seen you respond to those critiques, with enthusiasm, and better yet, an eagerness to overcome them.

And guess what?

You crushed those negative assumptions with accolades, achievements, and awards.

To say we are proud?

That would be an understatement of epic proportions.

You are a true gentleman.

A young man who is genuine, caring, and honest;  traits which are rarities to find today.

So in essence, thank you for being you.

You are destined for a life of wonder, amazement, happiness, and success.

We merely ask of you to hear us when we request for you to, "please never lose your character, kindness, or your endless thirst for knowledge."

YOU are what the world needs more of.

We also want to remind you that you should not let that notion get your head inflated; be mindful to stay humble.

We are loving what we see, so continue it with passion and conviction, but also with a healthy dose of compassion,empathy, and enlightenment.

Don't be afraid to grab the world by the perfect storm that you are.

And don't forget, even though we may have umbrellas for that storm...

We also have cameras... 

So watch yourself, because we will certainly be watching you, with enthusiasm, excitement, and of course, love.

You are OUR world.

May you contribute to your own universe in the same positive and wonderful ways you have donated to ours.

Cheers to another beginning!

High school, here you come!

Time to nail another goal!

So keep your head down, and your chin up.

We will be cheering you on the whole way.

See you at the finish line.

Love you with all our hearts.

Can't wait to see what the future holds!

Xoxo,

C.