A Letter To My Son

I know your life seems like it sucks right now. I'm going to tell you that at 15, everyone thinks their life sucks. It's hard. It's really a tough age. You're no longer a child, but not quite a man, and it seems like I am fighting so hard to keep that from happening. I understand you are fighting for your independence and I am fighting to hold on to the little boy who stole my heart 15 years ago today. I know I can't win this fight, and that I will eventually have to let you go. I'm just not ready to do that yet.

Maybe you think I come down on you pretty hard and maybe you're right, I do. Let me explain why. I only want you to be the best person you can be. I know that you are a smart guy. You just don't believe in yourself, and part of that is my fault. I'm only human and I have made mistakes. I want you to always do your best, be your best, look your best. I just want you to have a life a little better than what I had, I want you to have better experiences than I did.

I never tell you I love you enough. I really do love you and I am so proud of you. You are growing into an incredible young man, and I know that my time with you is short. I know that girls, sports, cars, dates and jobs are just around the corner and will take you away from me. I am just trying to enjoy every last day I have with you, before you grow up too much.

I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything. I won't laugh, I won't judge. I was 15 once, I remember how hard it was. Things are changing, things in your life, your body, your feelings, everything is changing and it's scary and exciting all at the same time.

You don't have to face this alone. You are not alone. You have a huge family that loves you. While you may not understand or agree with the choices and decisions I make, I need you to know that I make those choices and decisions based on what I think is best for you. You may not understand that now, but someday you will. I hope you can trust me for just a while longer.

I love you and I'm incredibly proud of you. Happy 15th Birthday son!!