The week before you were born I had my first pedicure. It was a Mother’s Day gift from your Dad.
I didn’t have to see my feet to know they were terribly swollen.
I begged my doctor to induce me early–not because I was miserable, although yes. But mostly because I wanted to meet you.
You are my only son.
And in that one heavy statement- you have already met and exceeded every joy I thought might come with being a boy Mom.
Except for the dirt. There’s been a lot of that.
The years have been short and you become a teenager this week and with that comes a little more freedom, a lot more responsibility and big lump in your momma’s throat. Thirteen years old. I can’t keep the pantry stocked or your pants long enough. I can’t keep the girls from taking a second look at your lean body and adorable grin and I can’t keep you from flying away.
When I asked you to kiss me on the cheek for a Mother’s Day picture, you blushed and laughed and said, “I don’t really know how to kiss.” I think I will hold onto that moment forever (and try not to bring it up when you show up with a girlfriend on the doorstep in a few years).
You are changing daily. You keep more to yourself. You are quiet where you used to be loud. Your wit is razor sharp. You are growing into a man in front of me and there are some (more) things I need to tell you.
Son, there’s a part of me that would keep you young and innocent forever. But that would be selfish. Healthy things grow and you’ve got the growing up part down. The world is a difficult place to navigate, but now that you are a teenager, I have to start letting you try.
I want you to always:
Choose people over technology.
Understand that 6 out of 10 of your classmates will look up porn on the Internet to learn about sex. Don’t be a statistic. As hard as it may be, ask us.
Know there will be times you don’t like me very much. But I’m your mom and you have to get over it.
Remember when a pretty girl whispers she loves you one day that your momma loves you more.
Say you’re sorry when you need to.
Be quick to forgive and slow to anger.
Choose kindness before popularity.
Understand that girls you may be tempted to look at are somebody’s daughter or sister.
Remember social media is a powerful weapon or resource. Your choice. Use it wisely.
Know that ownership is not a right; it’s a privilege. This means your future phone and car and well, everything, is actually mine and your dad’s and we are letting you borrow it.
Have an escape plan for when you feel tempted. Joseph ran from Potipher’s wife and that’s always a good place to start.
Serve other people before you serve yourself.
Be cautious when sending a text message, a picture or replying to one that you wouldn’t want me or your Dad to receive.
Remember you can always tell your Dad and I anything. Everything. Always.
Wait for sex. Some days it will be hard. Other days harder. But wait for it. God has an order and when we stick to His plan, there is a lot of peace and fulfillment. When we get things out of order we end up carry a lot of extra baggage.
Know that God is with you every moment–in joy, in sorrow, in love and life and death.
Extend grace and forgiveness. Especially to yourself.
I love you,
Mom
