An Open Letter to My Son

Dear Samuel,

1). I want you to know how much I love you, and how much you have changed my life for the better. You have been the light of my life since the day that you were born, and it has been a joy to watch you grow up so far, and I am sure that I will enjoy the rest of it. However, there are a few things that I want to say.

2). Put your faith in God. Your Nonna the Great always says, "Trust in the Lord, and He will get you through the bad times." She is so right. The Lord has done good things for us, and continues to do things for us. He will always be there, and when you feel that you are alone in the world, He will always be there. "Trust in the Lord with all of your might, and lean not on your own understanding."

3). I love you so much, and I always will. Your Papaw always said to me, "As long as I am alive, you will always have a home, you will always have somewhere to go," and the same is true for me. I will never cast you away; you are one of my soul mates, and came from my flesh. As long as I am alive, I will always be here for you, no matter what. You can always talk to me; I am your parent, but I want you to trust me with anything and everything. However, there is something you have to understand here; actions have consequences, and if you are afraid you are going to get in trouble with me, you will probably have that same feeling later in life with your wife, boss, significant other, or someone else. So please, own up to your mistakes and we will work through them together. Sometimes a punishment will be necessary, but all actions have consequences, so if you get a punishment, you probably deserve it!

4). Never sell yourself short in anything. I am a firm believer in the saying, "Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you'll hit a star." Never be afraid to set high goals and standards. Never settle for less than you deserve! Build healthy relationships with people that deserve you and respect you. Don't compromise your beliefs and values for anyone, you are better than that! From the moment you were born, I knew that you were destined for greatness, but what kind? I don't know that yet, and you probably won't for awhile, but you are great and will achieve greatness.

5). Don't be afraid to be different. Pursue something that you are passionate about. Don't be afraid to be kind, funny, smart, loving, intelligent, respectful, and patient to all (sometimes that is easier said than done). Don't be afraid to love the unlovable. Be compassionate and understanding. Don't immediately dismiss another person's point of view; reflect on it instead.

6). Don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong. Embrace your mistakes and learn from them. Never give up, always keep trying. Repair relationships, and keep working hard for them. Don't be afraid to say that you're sorry, give meaningful, genuine apologies freely.

And lastly?

Don't forget where you came from. Come home every now and then to talk to your Mommah. Open up the fridge and grab some food, make yourself at home. Tell me everything you want me to know. Someday, the same courtesy will be extended to your wife. Bring your children by. Never be afraid to confide in me. I will always be there. And don't ever forget how much I love you, and that you are my sunshine.

Love, Mommah