A Letter to My Son on his 12th Birthday: One Dozen Reasons You’re Special

4,383.

Four thousand , three hundred and eighty three days I’ve been blessed to have you, my little bitty buddy, making my life better and brighter.

Twelve years ago today you laughed your way in to the world and nothing has been the same. My heart bounces around outside my body, sitting on your shoulder when you study, standing with you on the mound as you pitch the game of your life, silently holding your hand when you feel sad or have to make a hard decision, doing cartwheels for you with every success and snuggling next to you when you sleep.

My small dude, you have been the truest joy in my life every day since June 2, 2006.

You are like the magic hour as the sun sets….your sweet soul spreading goodness and warming everything and everyone around you.

A Letter to My Son on his 12th Birthday: One Dozen Reasons
You’re Special

I so treasure this annual tradition of writing to you and hope that one day, these musings will provide you with a snapshot of how you have changed me, taught me and made me a better woman, mother and human being.

My Sweet Small Dude.

My Buddy.

You are such a part of me, I cannot remember a time when I didn’t love you, when you didn’t make the world a better place, when your hugs didn’t heal and your smile didn’t feel like the sunshine I need on a winter day.

You make people feel seen. It is impossible to spend time with you and not notice how you pay attention to everyone around you. You include everyone in the conversation, you compliment, you smile, you make eye contact. Keep it up, Buddy – this is a unique gift. (and thanks for always making me feel beautiful!)

You lead with your heart. This is good and bad – I know from experience. It is good because you will likely always put others first, but it means you expose yourself to hurt…you make yourself vulnerable. But, as you know, I think vulnerability is a good thing.

You understand that hard work matters. You know this quote has always been my favorite, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Buddy, you are talented. But you won’t always be the most talented in the room. I’m confident you will always be one of the hardest workers. I’m confident your effort and heart will take you far.

You are wise. You know when I first felt wise? I was in my 40’s. I felt as though I’d finally had enough life experience to feel ‘wise’, but you…. you are perceptive well beyond your age. You can tell when people are sad and you work to change it immediately. You worry about your family, your friends and the world.

Your heart is gold. Buddy – continue to lead with your heart. You FEEL. And it is magic. You will continue to notice when others do the same. Or when they need you. Don’t change this.

You are curious. I have no idea how many questions you ask me each day, but I love it. I’m committed to stopping my day to answer you and to make sure you feel heard. I know I haven’t always stopped…life, work, dinner, sports – it can be chaotic, but you deserve more. Keep asking. Keep wondering. Keep accepting.

You have a grateful heart. I know we talk about gratitude a lot. That’s because I want this to be a trait you and your sister live…..and you do. You are always diligent about thanking people. You are AWARE that you have privilege and I want you to continue to use it for good. Continue to channel your gratitude int0 goodness.

You are loyal. You know it has always been a priority for me that you and your sister take care of each other. You do it. You don’t always get along – and that is perfectly OK….but outside the walls of our home, you have her back. And I’m so grateful.  You are the same with your friends. Loyalty is more rare than you think. Continue to embody this.

You are committed to being the best version of you. This is good, Buddy. Wanting to excel is a good thing. But, I want you to know you WILL fall sort sometimes….in fact, I actually WANT you to fall short occasionally. I want you to learn how to fail. I want you to learn to come in second. Or to come in last. Because that’s life and I feel as though that’s part of my job….to teach you to win and lose. But to always TRY.

You won’t leave anyone behind. Coop – every school, every grade, every team needs someone like you…someone who notices when someone is hanging back, hesitating, feeling excluded or insecure. Because you include. You smile. Please don’t ever stop.

You are a pleaser. You love baseball. SO MUCH. But you also love your Daddy. SO MUCH. Both are amazing. I love how you seek your Daddy’s approval, but know that he approves. He is proud. He is in awe of you. Every day. If God had been taking requests when you were born, your Daddy would have hit the lottery in you. You are EVERYTHING he wants (everything I want too!) in a son, in a child, in a human being. Do you. Play hard and know that we think you are magic….even when you strike out.

You are respectful. I admit it, (I’m showing my age) I am horrified when I witness people being disrespectful to each other – especially when the disrespect is directed at an adult from a child. You WILL NOT always agree with your teachers, your coaches, your bosses, but they do deserve for you to speak to them respectfully. You are good at this.Please continue to do that.

And one to grow on: You want to make the world a better place. Your heart, your kindness, your friendship and hugs – your desire to ‘fix’ and to ‘help’….it makes the world better.

And I’m the lucky one who gets to bear witness to your journey and celebrate your success. And I will always be here to pick you up when life doesn’t go as planned.

Cooper, you are a gift.

I am proud to be your mom.

Thank you for being one of the best teachers of my life….for making me better. I can’t wait to see what you do in the next year.

xoxo Mom.