To A Son Who Has What It Takes

Sometimes, it takes a move to align yourself with the people you can learn from. 

Music by Scott Holmes - A Wee Tipple 
Non Copyright Music

Transcript

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Hey son, I'm sitting outside watching the night sky and looking forward to picking you up at midnight. I can't wait to hear more of your adventure over the past few days. I know we already talked about it over the phone, about your decision to move, to begin a whole new quest, the next phase in your journey. You told me he was everything you remembered, a man you want to learn from, a man whose leadership inspires you and wants to help you grow and develop the potential within you. I know it pains you to go, and son, it pains me too. I will miss you greatly, but you have to know I have prayed for this many times. I have prayed for your path and the path of your brothers and sister to intersect with quality men who see the incredible gifts within each of you and take all of you further than I can. I want you to live fully. While I would have preferred the distance to not be so great, I would choose purpose and mission and opportunity for you over proximity any day of the week. Well at least most days. I'm so grateful I got to be your mom for the past 24 years. The quality of character I see in you brings me to tears. I still remember you running around in your Superman cape, ready to save the day, building forts and playing in the creek, telling stories with your siblings for days, and happily sitting beside her dog, taking turns with him licking your ice cream cone, and getting angry when lines were crossed. Justice and fairness was everything to you, and still is a key component to how you show up in the world. Remember when you asked me one day if it was okay that you liked your sister's music, worried somehow that it might make you less of a boy, and when I reassured you the big smile that crossed your face, and just like that, off you went, singing loudly to her music with everything you had. I remember the way you named each and every one of your animals, and calling them stuffed was simply not allowed. They were absolutely real to you, and so they were. It all brings me so much joy. I've watched the way you care for your siblings and have been intentional about the kind of relationship you built with them. The way you have respected your sister, asking for her perspective and comforting her as she deals with an unexpected illness, and along with her brother, helped pay for her expenses, the way you believe in her and her ability to do great things, you are such a fan of your sister, and the way you engage with your brothers, the rough housing, making memories with them, even sneaking the DS with them and hurriedly placing it where you didn't think I would find it. Your quickness in acknowledging patterns and behaviors that hurt, and quick to celebrate anything good with your brothers, lifting your arms and shouting, come on, let's go! And the times you've had to make really difficult decisions, choosing integrity and character over pleasing others. You're really good at holding the line, no matter what. I want you to know you have what it takes to be the kind of man that can make tough calls, to show up in the world and love others well, to take risks and keep going when things do not work out as planned. You have such a bright future ahead of you. So go, follow your heart, listen for direction, trust what is within you, take risks when needed. Whatever the outcome, you will have learned something. And don't forget to have fun. I believe in you, son, deeply, and I love you so very much.