Happy 15th Birthday!

 Dear Alex, 

Today you turned 15 years old. You are halfway through freshman year in high school, and as always your work ethic makes me so proud. You were a part of the Cross Country team this fall and you are a Mentor to a lower school boy. You are continuing with your faith journey by preparing for your Confirmation. And your art work amazes me! Dad and I are loving watching you grow from our little boy into a wonderful, talented young man. 

When I held you for the first time as a newborn baby,  I never in a million years dreamed we would be living through a pandemic fifteen years later. This year has been anything but normal. I know it is tough for you and life doesn’t always seem fair right now, but I am proud of the way you are handling the disappointments and canceled plans. You are able to keep things in perspective. You acknowledge that things aren’t always the way we wish they were, but you keep a positive and healthy attitude. And although things are not normal right now, I feel blessed for all the good this year has brought us. We got extra beach time this summer with our cousins and friends. You are such an amazing big brother (most of the time) and I love watching you take care of Christopher. He thinks you are the coolest!  I’ll never forget your “Zoom” Tie Ceremony and 8th grade graduation.  And I feel especially lucky that since September you have been able to go to school in person a few days a week.

You are such a loyal and great friend. Your friends are lucky to have you and they are amazing friends in return. You have the nicest friends, and I believe it is because you get what you give. And for once I am thankful for technology, social media and video games. You have all managed to stay close and laugh and have fun even when you can’t be together in person! I know you’re happiest on the days you get to go to school on campus, but a part of me likes the days when you are home with me. It reminds me of when you were little and it was just the two of us all day. Of course, now you are usually in your room doing school work or sleeping instead of making me watch The Wiggles on repeat! 

At fifteen, on one hand you think you know it all!  But on the other hand, you still come to me to talk and vent. I will always be here for you. Dr. Mo, your high school counselor, said something the other day that really stuck with me. He said that as your parents we should be your safety net not your training wheels. You will make mistakes and you will fall down. It is not our job to stop you, but instead we need to catch you and help you get back up.  Never forget that! Even though I will always see you as my baby, I respect your quest for independence as you navigate your teenage years. 

I love you, My Christmas Baby. Fifteen years ago, all I wanted for Christmas was you! You will always and forever be my best Christmas gift ever.  

I love you with all of my heart! 

Mom