You've finally reached the day you've been looking forward to since you could understand what age meant. You are 18 today. I'm a little confused because you've been saying that you were moving to Alaska on your 18th birthday, but my Life 360 says that you're at school. I guess you be up traveling late tonight. Alaska is cold. Take a coat.
Even though I know in my mind that you are now 18, I still see a little boy. I see the little boy that dad and I brought home from the hospital that loved to sleep between him mom and dad and cried (screamed actually) if he was anywhere else.
I see the little boy that loved listening to music and singing along with what he thought the words may be (holiness and holy nest are almost the same).
I see the stubborn little boy that refused to get into the swimming pool at swimming lessons, so his momma got her money back and taught him at home within one week.
I see the little boy that spent hours on a little red jeep in the back yard in his Blues Clues underwear and rubber boots.
I see the little boy that was fearlessly barrel racing at age 5.
I see the little boy that would only do things in his own time and in his own way...which drove me to reading books like "The Strong Willed Child" just to make it through the potty training season of life.
I see the little boy that learned to love soccer and became a greater kicker during those years out at Grady Wallace Park.
I see the little boy that was always excited to go to his grandparents house and play with cousins. He loved Easter egg hunting, playing in Memaw's playhouse, playing pool, and opening brand new toys every Christmas.
Aaron, you are now legally an adult. You can vote. You can buy a house. You can go to R rated movies. You can get married. You can get a tattoo and body piercings. You can join the military. You can donate blood. You can work full time. You can play the lottery. You can apply for credit cards. You can change your name. You can adopt a child. Now, unless you are actually moving to Alaska today, you can NOT do some of these things while still living under our roof. But this is how free will works. There is a world of choices out there that you will have to make for yourself. Even though I would love to continue to tell you what you can and cannot do, we are coming to a time where your choices are completely yours. Here is my piece of advice for this year: When faced with hard choices or decisions that cause you internal conflict, always choose the one that will bring you closer to God, and in everything you do, think "Is this what I want to be doing when Jesus comes back?" If the answer is no, then you should probably make a different choice.
When I write this letter to you next year, I don't know where you'll be living, who you will be living with, or how far away you will be from me and dad. It's quite possible I won't even get to see you on your actual birthday. But I do know that the years we've had together under the same roof have been amazing. I'm not a perfect mom, but I've done as well as I've known how. You've taught me how to be a mom. I've learned more from you than you'll ever realize. Thank you for making my life so hard the first 5 years of your life. I learned so much during that time about myself. Dad and I have messed up and apologized more times than we can count, but the way that you live your life makes us think that maybe we have also done something right. Don't ever be afraid to just be you. You are made in God's image, and you are amazing. You have a big fan club in the stands every Friday night, and you have a big fan club cheering you on in your life beyond those Friday night games. You are deeply loved and valued by so many and are prayed for more than you can imagine. Happy 18th birthday, Aaron. I can't wait to see what you do with your life.
I love you,
Mom
P.S. Make smart choices.
