Kaleb --- 13 years

When God gave you to me, he knew I would need you. You fill my days with chatter and questions I never knew a young person to ask. You challenge me in so many ways and teach me about things I never knew I would be interested in. When you become fixated on something, you are like a sponge and soak in all the information you possibly can. I love to see the way you light up when you learn something new and interesting.

This year you grew to be taller than me, I didn’t realize that would happen so soon.  I have such mixed feelings about the man you are becoming. I am so proud of you for being loving and courageous, but I’m not ready for you to be so grown up yet. I remember you as a small child. You loved to crawl into bed with me in the morning and snuggle deep down in the covers until your head was almost covered.  You loved warm fires, riding your bike, and fishing (you still do).

I can’t tell you how much of my heart you fill, but I can tell you I would be empty without you. I feel like we grew up together. I was only 19 when you were born. There is something very special about the relationship that we have. I hope that I have been a good mom to you. I know that I haven’t been a perfect mom all of the time. Sometimes it’s hard to be the oldest child because your parents are learning how to be parents so essentially you are the test dummy. I know that I have learned a lot from raising you and I will continue to learn. 

I just wanted you to know how much I love you. My world is so much better because you are here. I can’t imagine my life without you being a part of it. Thank you for being an amazing son. Thank you for helping me so much with your chores and when I need assistance with the other kids. Thank you for being patient with me and for accepting my apologies when I haven’t been patient with you. 

You are incredible, never ever forget that. Never forget that I am always here when you need me. I love you, buddy!