Happy 19th Birthday!

Dear Alex,

Happy 19th birthday! I am so happy you are home on your birthday. Yesterday you finished your first semester of college. I can’t believe it! I’m so proud of you. Going far away to school is a brave thing to do. You worked hard in your classes and made new friends. Thank goodness for Snapchat and FaceTime. My favorite pictures are when you send me selfies, and I can see the palm trees in the background. 

I know you are ready to be home for a month and just relax, and I can’t begin to explain how good it feels to have you home. I have missed you so much. The house isn’t the same without you. Having you here makes my heart feel whole again. You are and always will be my best Christmas present.  

But as much as I miss you when you aren’t home, I know that this college experience is one you worked hard to achieve, and you should make the most of every day. I may be a little jealous of you, that you get to go to this beautiful school with all of these amazing opportunities ahead of you. And I’m definitely envious of the weather! I’m already looking forward to our visit in February. 

My wish for you is for you to realize your potential and the goodness inside of you. Be patient with yourself and others. This is a time of uncertainty, exploration and growth. Embrace it even if it feels uncomfortable at times. Say “yes” to new experiences and be the person who smiles and says hello to others. You are an amazing person, and those who truly see you will be the ones who will deserve your loyalty and love. I’m so lucky to be one of those people. I love you most! 

Mom