An Open Letter to My Son on His Wedding

If you are a parent you can probably relate to this. My son, my first born, is getting married Friday. Talk about a mixed ball of emotions. When exactly did he grow up? So I decided to sit down and write him a letter to tell him how I'm feeling...how a mom is feeling....how a parent feels. So here it goes....

Dear Son,

So here it is, your wedding week. I look at you with such pride and love, and then all the sudden you’re not 32 anymore.  You’re that newborn I’m holding in my arms for the first time thinking to myself, ' Now what do I do?'

You’re 6  months old refusing to sleep and pretty much wearing almost everything I give you to eat. You’re 11 months old and taking your first steps. Then in the blink of the eye you’re running. You’re four years old starting preschool and you can’t stop smiling, while I can’t stop crying.

You’re 6 years old and in kindergarten, so proud of your Power Rangers lunchbox and love making friends. You're 10 years old playing sports and catching "cooties" on playground from the girls you love to tease.

You’re 13 years old, and it’s no longer cool when your mom kisses you goodbye when you walk out the door, and suddenly those same girls don't have "cooties" anymore.You’re taller than me and growing way too fast, but still my little boy.

You’re 16 years old and pulling out of the driveway in the car to hang with your friends. Those sleepless night for me are back waiting for you to come home. You’re 18 years old as I sit in the stands cheering you on under the lights on a Friday night at the football field,  and realizing it’s your senior year. I swear you just started school.

You’re 21 years old, traveling the country playing rugby for your college and loving your life all grown up, but you still have time to call your mom and tell her that you miss her. You’re 25 years old, and you're taking the oath to "protect and serve" making me proud and scared at the same time.

You’re 28 years old, and I watch you hold the hand of your grandmother when she forgot who you were, and you remind her how much you love her as you hold back the tears. You’re 30 years old, and you call to tell me you’ve met the one. The girl of your dreams that you love with your whole heart, and that you can’t wait to spend the rest of your life with her.  

So my son,  on  the week of your wedding at 32 years old you’ve made me more proud than any mother could ever be. You’ve grown into the most amazing young man,  and you’re giving me one of the most incredible gifts… A new daughter to love. 

Congratulations my son. And like your favorite bedtime story said...."I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living, my baby you'll be".

Now, how about those grandkids?

Love,

Mom