Sixteen Rides Around the Sun

 

 

Dear Satchel,

Happy 16th ride around the sun! 

This past year you have made honor roll, started Driver's Education class, and managed to keep up with your schedule while still being able to socialize with your friends safely online. 

This year you have grown so much, physically and emotionally. 

You have taught yourself to play guitar!  Hearing you play in your room above me while I work brings me great joy.

I am proud of all you have accomplished.

Your interests remain expansive: fishing techniques, guitar and experiments like flash freezing (which was the coolest thing I've seen this year).

Thank you for asking to take a ride with me when I have to run errands.  It means a lot to me and I enjoy your company.  Thank you for taking the time to introduce me to new music that you think I would like.  Thank you for suggesting spontaneous picnics on my day off.  Thank you for watching the space station fly by with me.  Thank you for helping out without having to be reminded.  And thank you for being you.

Today is your birthday, and you are the greatest gift I've ever received.

Thank you for picking me to be your mother.  Thank you for the reciprocal gift of unconditional love and all the ways you show it. 

On this anniversary of your birth, may you know how deeply loved and admired you are.  I celebrate you!

 (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

Happy 16th ride around the sun, dear Satchel.
Thank you for being my son.

All my love,
Mama
(Posted at the time of your birth)