Prince Alex and Princess Isabella's Momma....and Zachary too!: December 2022

Dear Alex,

Happy 17th Birthday! Being a mom has been the biggest joy of my life. But the fact that every year seems to go by a little faster than the last, makes me wish for time to slow down. To be completely honest, if I found a genie's lamp, I would trade my three wishes for one, to go back to December 10, 2005 and live every minute all over again!

You finished 10th grade with amazing grades, and this summer you got your license and off you drove to your first job as a lifeguard.

I can't believe you are a Junior in high school, driving your brother and sister to school, taking the SAT's, and starting the college search to find the next place you will call home. You are a Peer Educator for 9th graders, a mentor to a student in lower school, and you tutored in the Bridges program. You spend your evenings playing basketball, lifting weights, studying and watching every show on Netflix. On the weekends, you are usually hanging out with your friends at dances, parties, or in our basement.

Here are some things I want you to remember. They will serve you well now and as an adult, which technically will happen in 364 days.

1. Look people in the eye when you speak to them. Be a good friend. Say you are sorry when you are wrong. Apologizing is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of self-awareness and strength.

2. Trust your gut when it comes to decision-making. In the words of Jiminy Cricket, "Always let conscience be your guide." If you you are ever unsure of what to do, think to yourself, "What would my mom want me to do?" You know I would never lead you astray, so always think of me as your moral compass. And know, no matter what, you can call me any time of the day or night. (I think you and your friends already know this one).

3. Family is everything. Take care of your sister. Be a role model for your brother. Talk to your dad. Respect your mama. Spend time with your grandparents.

4. There are going to be moments that make you feel invincible and it will feel amazing… embrace those moments...but promise me you’ll remember that you are mortal. Testing limits is okay, but some boundaries are there for a reason.

5. Be friends with girls. Make them laugh. Be respectful and genuine. Talk to them and listen to them. I promise when you are in a relationship these things will matter, because being friends with, and truly liking the person you love, is a vital part of being a good partner.

6. Not everyone was raised the way that you were. Your roots were planted to ground you. But you were raised to go out into the world and live a good, meaningful life. Wherever life takes you, remember the four of us will always be your home.

7. I will be here for you. Things change, but I will always be your constant. That was a promise I made when I first held you on that cold December morning when it was just you and me in that hospital room, and one I will keep for my whole life.