Dear Son,

I know that I am “THE most embarrassing mom in the world,” but I want you to know that…

I’m never going to stop dancing or singing when I hear a great song...no matter where I am.

I’m never going to stop laughing so hard that my face hurts.

I’m never going to stop crying when we watch a “feel-good” movie together.

I’m never going to stop hugging you or kissing you in front of your friends (Okay...maybe I’ll ease up in high school).

I’m never going to stop clapping and shouting, “Way to go!” when you are playing sports or reaching the next milestone.

I’m never going to stop telling your grandparents your report card results.

I’m never going to stop striking up a conversation with a waiter, a cashier, or a neighbor.

I’m never going to stop smiling and saying hello to strangers.

And I might be “THE most annoying mom” too, but…

I’m never going to stop reminding you to hold the door for others.

I’m never going to stop reminding you to be humble and kind to everyone around you.

I’m never going to stop reminding you to work hard and to stop procrastinating.

I’m never going to stop telling you how to take care of the earth or to take care of your neighbors...near and far.

I’m never going to stop telling you to have empathy - to step into someone else’s shoes - even when it’s difficult to do so.

I’m never going to stop telling you to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, even when the other person or people don’t ask for forgiveness themselves.

I’m never going to stop telling you to be the bigger person.

I’m never going to stop telling you that honesty is the best policy, even though our world might model the opposite.

I’m never going to stop telling you that life will sometimes be hard. People will be unkind, you will fail, love will be lost, and those we love the most will one day go to Heaven. But in the midst of it all, you must never let go of your faith. No matter what happens, always turn to prayer. God has your back!

I’m never going to stop telling you to simply do your best.

I’m never going to stop telling you to try to learn from your mistakes (in academics, in sports, in relationships), and to try to do better and to be a better person next time.

I’m never going to stop telling you to be yourself. People who care about you, and those who are your true friends will love you for who you are.

I’m never going to stop doing the things that embarrass you or stop repeating the “annoying” reminders because I want you to know NOW...I want you to know TODAY...that life is too short to stand by and wait. Be your best self today. Learn from your mistakes. And move forward and be a better person tomorrow.

Whether you like it or not, it is the job that God has granted me as your mother — not to be “THE most annoying and embarrassing mom in the world” — but to teach you how to be kind, caring, loving, generous, giving, forgiving, humble, honest and true and to live each day to the fullest - today and every day.

And if you ever forget what I’ve said to you today, just remember this, son - you must love God with all your heart. You must love others with all your heart. And you must love yourself with all your heart - because after all, YOU are YOU because God made you who you are, and you are SO completely and unbelievably loved.

I love you!

Love,

Mom