I wanted to write somewhat of a letter to my kids.
I want you to know how much you are loved, and how i am truly thankful and proud to call you mine. Your dad and I have always wanted you, and we were over the moon when we found out you would be taking up space in my belly waiting to be grown.
My son, my Gagey-P, you have been a challenge from the beginning! My body had to work extra hard to make you, and because of that you had to be urged out a bit early. You and I figured it out together, and I thank you for almost always keeping the potty business in the diaper.
I will always keep the pictures of your ‘helmet era’ to A- remind you that perfect head was created (more than once!) and B- the hard things never last long, and the payoffs are usually fantastic
You taught me the boundaries of my patience and how deeply I can take in a breath. You have always been so smart and special. Always wanting to know the why’s and how’s. I’m afraid i never had all the answers, but i am confident you will find them for yourself. Your grandpa Phil would be very proud of that trait. Just do your own kids a favor and stop just short of trivial and obnoxious knowledge 🙂
You have challenged your teachers from the start. Know that just because they are teachers, they aren’t always right just as I as your parent might also very rarely be wrong. However, you always respect the knowledge and work those teachers have put into their jobs. You are a special guy who will always require the best of your instructors. If you give them some credit and leeway, it will be returned. For those that don’t return it, go back to the helmet lesson and know the hard times do not last. One semester in the grand scheme of things is a blip.
You have a phenomenal ability to see good in peers that might not get that from others. You make friends so easily, and I’m glad for that. You will most likely always be a leader. Be a responsible one.
I am so proud of the big brother you have been to Gemma. She looks to you for everything. You may be tempted to take advantage of that, but be cautious. The fart songs you teach her now may come back to haunt you at an important event .. like graduation or your first date
Big brothers are important to little sisters. Just ask your uncles.
Gage, I love you to the end of space, to every star and back. Never ever forget or question that.
To My Gemma, you have been such a blessing to our whole family. You are forever making us laugh. From the beginning, you have been sure of what you want, including your own name! You have the same strength your brother has, and i can’t tell you how proud that makes me. As a girl, you will sometimes have a challenge being strong, but don’t ever try to diminish that. Strength in girls is rare and beautiful.
You have been such a happy girl and i can only hope that will grow and become a foundation for you.
In your beautiful blue eyes, i do not only see the father who gave them to you. I see a beautiful individual girl with so much light. Do not give that light to just anyone. Choose your friends wisely. Choose the right ones and they will be there the rest of your life.
Your brother, while wise, is also a big brother. Do not believe everything he tells you. Especially if it involves fire or scissors. He will always be your champion, and hold him to that. Don’t let him get away with anything less, and he will try.. right around high school. Space is fine as long as there’s a limit. Also know there will come a day when he will realize you have taught him just as much as he’s taught you. Go easy on him. He is, afterall, a boy, and they aren’t quite as intelligent as us gals.
Gemma, you are my angel and I love you more than all the animals on earth. From bees to buffalos!
I want you both to know that sometimes I’m hard on you, but that’s not out of dislike or disappointment. Rather, I know how capable and strong you both are, and I want you to know your own strength. I will not always be there to help. I cannot be everywhere to protect you. What i can do is give you the tools so you can always rely on yourself because of what I have taught you.
Your friends will teach you all sorts of things. I promise you that. They wont always be lifelong lessons. Please understand the difference. How to jump off a roof and why you should never jump off a roof are very different lessons. One is fun momentarily, but the other has the potential to make you happier for much longer. 🙂
You are both the lights of my life. I had a life before you, and you might even hear it spoken about wistfully by me, but know surely that I always chose where I put myself. Seeing you both grow and give your teachers hell (Gage) was something I am very thankful for. It took the place of a fulfillment work gave me. It was miles more difficult, but everything great is hard fought for. That’s parenting. Please know, if you read this in your teen years, that you are loved. No matter what. Also know your parents were once teenagers as well. Sure we never had flying cars or push-button meals, but every generation has their own challenges. Dad had dinosaurs and i had the 90’s!
Understand your worth. At times you might not believe it, but it’s my hope that I will always believe it and show it enough for both of us. You will have that to draw on when you are running low. Your mom and dad forever believe in your strength and importance.
The only true disappointment i can foresee is either of you forgetting your greatness and choosing a path that would prove this. No matter what, or when, you mean something to your parents and to each other. Your worth does not belong in the hands of others. Not friends or teachers, or boyfriends or girlfriends. Your worth is in your own hands. People can fortify this, they can add to it or dent it, but never allow them the power to take it from you. Nobody is worth that.
There will come a day your dad and I wont be there for you. It’s a sad fact of life. Something both of your parents have been through. You will always have each other, though. My hope and dream is for you to find happiness in your life and to follow it. Live a life your parents would be proud of. A life that completes each of you individually, but always share the story with each other. Lessons don’t end when you finish school, or move out of mom and dad’s house. We may not live forever, but in you, we will always and forever be with you.
Now go into the world and raise hell !!
We love you more than all the stars and lights in the sky.
-Mom (and dad)
Sarcasmica 