Devin

To my dearest Devin,

Last week you turned thirteen. A teenager, but how can that be?  Wasn’t it only yesterday I held you in my arms for the first time?  Devin, as a baby you were always calm, relaxed, pleasant and gentle.  We spent all of our time together, you and I. You were so easy to take along shopping or visiting that you weren’t often far from mom!  To be sure, your beautiful smile was one of my reasons to jump out of bed every morning and get to your crib. There you would be, my blond blue-eyed angel, just waiting with a big smile and a kiss.

Thirteen years seem like so many, yet they went by so quickly.  You are still beautiful, still calm and gentle. You have grown to be passionate about people you know and love and causes you believe in. Even though you never really got used to the idea of having a pesky little sister, you always seem to be the first one to see what’s wrong when she cries or is hurt. You are the big brother, like it or not, and I do recognize it is often a thankless job.

 Devin, you are hardworking and determined in things that mean something to you. You give your all to your school work and to the teams you are on. You give one hundred percent all of the time and more if it’s needed. Whether you’re a starter in basketball or on the bench, you cheer for your team and stay in the game. When school gets tough, you put in the extra hours because you know it’s important for you. Yet, even with the hectic schedules and busy family life, you never forget to ask, “How was your day, Mom?” I get this every day. You never miss one.  I can’t leave the house without kissing you and telling you, “I love you.”   You in turn, never leave the house without kissing me and telling me you love me.  Even at the tender age 13, you know what’s important in life.

Now Devin, don’t think I’m missing the typical teenage behavior on occasion from you because of, course, I do! The arguing, the sauciness, it’s all there. My favorite is when your father and I have to realize that we really know nothing and should instead be listening to you because you know it all! Lucky for you I realize that is a part of being a teenager on his way to becoming an adult. You know how to self-advocate, unfortunately, sometimes to the point of being sent downstairs to your room, but with practice, you’ll get it right. You are reasonable and you and I can always come to a consensus. We have never gone to bed with an issue unresolved.  Each morning brings a fresh day to start anew.

If I ever doubt what wonderful things I have accomplished in my life, I have only to look at you, Devin.  I have friends who are envious, and  they should be.  But keep in mind that raising a beautiful young man like you didn’t just happen!  It meant hours, days, weeks and years of expectations, rules, consequences, lots of talking and love.  Always, always love.  My beautiful 13 year old son,  you have a strong, solid foundation-you are made of great stuff, inside and out. What you do with that will be your great accomplishment.

Love always and forever,

Mom