Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Things To Remember To Tell Him

fire side last night

1. You are my rock. I have told you many times just how special you are to me, how much I need you and your strength, and I hope you never forget how much I love you.

2. You are a fiercely devoted friend. There isn't anything you wouldn't do for a friend in need. But, sadly, you think our house isn't cool enough for those friends right now. That's okay.

3. You are so intelligent. Your report card today reads Math - 95, English - 91, Science - 92, and Social Studies - 93, and you aren't even trying. You even warned me in August that since this year won't "count" for college, you weren't planning on putting in all that much effort.

4. You like to argue these days. You have ideas and opinions all your own and you fight for their value. Someday, I think you'll know a few of those ideas are a little backwards, but I am willing to wait for you to come around.

5. You are tall. This is the year you will pass me in height. Never forget that just because you are bigger than me, it doesn't mean I can't take you down, boy. 'Cuz I can so totally kick your ass if I need to.

6. You are kind to your sister and love her in a way that melts my heart. There is a connection between you two that shows me you will be her rock too someday.

7. Your brother frustrates you right now, but I know it is because you are scared for him. You don't want him to be different, you don't want him to be bullied, you don't want him to struggle... you want him to be strong like you and you think your tough love will make him stronger.

8. You are pretty lazy too these days, if I am being honest. You hate to help around the house and it is only with threats of taking away your Playstation that I can get you to empty the dishwasher for me. Helping is something I hope you come around to soon.

9. You take after me with your looks, but you are more like your Dad than you care to realize and you two are really butting heads at this stage. He expects so much from you because he knows how just how amazing you are inside, he wishes he had that in him... but you think he is too hard on you. He loves you so much.

10. You can laugh so hard you can't breathe and no one has to say a word. You are constantly snickering and bursting out with a laugh at moments you remember from your day. So and so did this in lunch today... so and so did that in gym. I can't help but laugh when you laugh, but half the time I can't understand what you are telling me through your fits of giggles.

11. You are shy with girls, or so you tell me. Your team mates in football also sit with you at lunch, you told me they take your books and put them at the girls' tables so that you have to go over and talk to them to get your books back. You don't mind though.

12. You are handsome, at least I think so. You have such strong features to your face and when you smile your face lights up (your Dad's face does the same thing and it is something I love about him too). You hate your freckles though and you think they make you ugly. I used to feel the same way about my freckles. You asked Dad to teach you to shave last week.

13. You, my boy, are thirteen. On a crisp fall day in 1997, I gave birth to a 9lb 13oz baby that has become a young man I am so honored and proud to be the Mother of. I love you Jacob. Happy Birthday.

keuka_tuesday water 22

18 comments:

mairedodd said...

happiest birthday to jacob and his momma who labored with love...
kerry, i have a 14 yr. old who is almost 'all of the above'... love is fierce and patient... and so we will wait while never backing down...

John Graham said...

Kerry,

A hall of fame post. Will be great to read that year after year. It will become more valuable over time.

John

Anonymous said...

Lovely, Kerry. Thanks for saying it so well.

Ann H.

Cindy said...

You made my eyes leak, what a wonderful thing to do for your son..........he'll never wonder if he's loved or if you are proud. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

Kerry said...

Thanks everyone. I will pass your birthday wishes on to Jacob.

I should also have noted that he asked for peas for dinner tonight. And he eats chocolate like it is his last day on earth. And he asked me to clean the bathroom extra nice as a gift for him today. :)

Alice said...

Your post brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it's because I see many of the same traits, habits, and attitude in my own son, who's name is also Jacob. My Jacob went to college this August, and I miss him so much (and so does his little sister).

Happy Birthday to your Jacob!

Nancy said...

That's the best gift you can give him Kerry! Happy Birthday to you both...

AliBaubles said...

Kerry

That's so beautiful.......it made my eyes well up!!!

Happy Birthday Jacob!!!

Courtney Breul said...

Happy birthday to your boy. There are tears in my eyes, your post is most wonderful. Thank you.

Nicki said...

Happy Birthday Jacob. Happy Birthday Kerry. 13 years ago you gave birth to this wonderful young man. What a special day for you both.

Brandi Hussey said...

Oh my gosh, Kerry, that was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

Happy Birthday to Jacob!

Anonymous said...

You made me cry! I remember the day I drove you to the hospital and Ron would meet us there. My daughter was going to become a "Mother" and how proud I was of you. When I got to walk into the room and welcome my first Grandson into the world, he sold my heart. Where did 13 years go?
Happy Birthday! to my Be-Boop..
I love you...
Gee

Crymson Flower said...

what a great post and a wonderful idea. my lil guy is 5 months and whining and tired. your post made me excited to see what sort of man he'll turn out to be.

Tami said...

Wow - what a wonderful note to your son!

rosebud101 said...

Happy Birthday!
Kerry, you are a such a loving mom!

Do These Kids Make Me Crazy? said...

So sweet, Kerry.

Unknown said...

Ohhh Kerry what loveliness! A wonderful forever frozen in time feelings entry for your Son. You are surely a gift to your family Kerry and your Son is wonderful! Take Joy as Tasha Tudor always said! ox

Marsha of Marsha Neal Studio said...

How wonderful! I love that picture of your son with the guitar and his little sister… Those moments are so special and your post is amazing! Happy Birthday Jacob. What a great family you belong to…