My Darling Patrick,
It is hard to believe that in a couple of weeks, you will become a teenager.
Thirteen years ago you entered my life and changed it in more ways than I could have imagined. You helped me to grow and mature. You taught me how to be a mother.
Whenever I reflect on my time as a mother, I immediately think of my parents and all they have taught me. Your Nana and Bobo were the most loving, supportive and giving parents anyone could ever want. They showed me unconditional love every day of my life. They so willingly gave of themselves and put me first. Before you were born, I always hoped I would be just like them, and that I could provide you with the kind of love, support and guidance they gave to me. I foolishly believed that I could simply follow their example and I would be a good mother. But I was wrong.
Although their example continues to give me something to strive for, the real lessons have come from you.
Patrick, you have given me a love like no other love. You have helped me to become a stronger person and to see the world in a different way. Over the past 13 years, we have both changed and grown in so many ways.
When I look at you, I am amazed at the person you have become. Physically, you are no longer my little boy. Your body is changing before my eyes and at night when you are sleeping, I will often stand by your bed and look at you as I try to memorize each new phase as it comes.
Morally, you amaze me with your understanding of right and wrong and of how passionate you are to fight for what you believe. As parents, your dad and I have tried to surround you with our beliefs, to talk to you about issues and to give you biblical, philosophical and moral reasons behind them. You have taken this knowledge, asked questions, found answers and made it your own. I watch you in awe as you stand up for what you believe in, even though that opinion may differ from your peers and the pop culture around you.
Never having had siblings of my own, I have learned a lot about sibling dynamics by watching your brother, sister and you interact. Admittedly, there are moments when sibling harmony is not so evident in our house, but overall I couldn’t imagine it any better than this. The way you so willingly give of yourself to your brother and sister. Simply watching your brother and sister follow you, look up to you and choose to spend time with you, says so much about the impact you have had on their lives.
You are about to embark on a new phase of your life. At times it will be filled with changes and uncertainty. There will even be moments when it all seems overwhelming. Remember, through it all, you are not alone.
Thank you for helping me to grow and for playing such an important role in me becoming the parent I am today. Thank you for supporting me while I strive to be as loving, caring and forgiving as my parents are and most important, thank you for forgiving me when I make mistakes.
I love you, Patrick. I am proud of you and I am honoured to be your mom.
May you continue to grow in peace,
Mom
