Letter from my son

I have a teenager that just flew the nest to college. He is my only child. In the days leading up to the date of his departure I was very anxious. My son and I have always been very close. He was 4 when I divorced his father. And we spent the next 7 years together, just him and I. It was very tough for me to think I was going to come home from work, open the door of my house and not here him yell out, "Hi Mom". When you decide to have a baby, no one prepares you for the emotional roller coaster you will experience for the rest of your life. Parents tell you time and time again how hard it is, but you never really believe it until they put that baby in your arms. Life changes in an instance.

We dropped off my son at the college and later that evening kept driving north to go on vacation. I was doing my best to not cry. Other parents hold a party that the kids are finally out of the house, but I was heart broken. I was putting up a front to be strong, but I really just wanted to become a big puddle of tears. Thank God for a good husband. A few days before he left, he told my son that he should write me a letter. He told him I was going through an emotional time and that a few words from him would mean the world to me. My husband was debating whether he should give me the letter immediately after we left him or until our vacation was over the following week. But he realized I needed something and he also wanted me to cry it all out so I could enjoy myself. And OH BOY! The letter made me BALL MY EYES OUT. But it was great and I felt I could move on and be happy for my son and myself. And what amazed me most was to read the maturity in my son's words. I would like to share the letter with you, so here it goes:

Mom,
I wanted to take a little time to say how thankful I am to you for all the things you have done for me through all these years. I know it is hard to let go of your baby boy, but there is nothing for you to regret. You have raised a great young man who, although is a little unique with his ways of thinking and doing things, is a honest, respectable and dedicated person.
You have taught me many things about life and its workings with a strong heart and love like not other. Whenever you hear the words "perfect mother" always think of yourself and be proud of what you accomplished. I may have been stubborn and hard to deal with at times, but you were always there to correct and fix things no matter how insane the problem was. You were always there to be a friend and someone to hang out with. You were always there when the times got tough at school. You were always there when I had emotional times and needed someones shoulder to cry on. You were always there to teach and practice what you preach. You were always there to be the mom you needed to be, and I could not have asked for a better one.

As I grow older and become more independent, please remember that I am never tossing you aside or forgetting you. Just as you grew into an adult and started going through life, it is now my turn to do so as well. I will always do my best and be responsible for my actions as you taught me to do, as well as keeping determined and headstrong no matter how well or bad a situation may be. It is true that I have made mistake's in the past, but I have learned from each one to better myself for the future. I will not be one of those crazy kids you find on MTV or VH1. Instead you will read of my accomplishments and awards in magazines and the news. I will work my hardest and do my best so I may graduate and begin a successful and entertaining career, especially doing something I love to do.

Please do not become lonely and sad when you leave me at college. I know it will be hard, but this can also open a new chapter in your life as well. It's time to start doing things for you and rewarding yourself. After 19 years of living with me, you've earned it! Do some things that make you happy, things you have always wanted to do but couldn't before. Take this time to get closer to my step-dad too. Just because I have left does not mean no one is around to love you. My step-dad is a good man and he loves you very much. I am eternally grateful to him as well for everything he has done for me. I love him very much.

Please remember that I will always love you, no matter when or where or why. Even though I am at college, I am always your son. Be proud of what you have accomplished. I promise your hard work will never go to waste.

Thank you for everything in my life, from newborn to young man to man. Nothing I can ever do will be able to measure up to everything you have done for me.

I love you mom, with all of my heart.
Your son.

Can't type anymore...tears again, but happy tears.