Dreams We Have for our Children

Hello my Son,

As your Mommy, I have certain dreams for you. Some are "high and mighty" and others are just "cute," but the biggest dream that I have is that I want you to be happy. I want you to choose a career that you truly love, to have friends that you can rely on, and always have a loving family around you. I want you to be content with who you are and not spend your life worried about what other people think of you.

This week we came to spend some time with "Aunt" Alexis, Emily, Chris and Sam. I see you playing and fighting with Sam and Chris like they are your own sister and brother, but they aren't. I want you to remember these days though, and always stay close to them. I hope that one day, when you find the person that you want to spend eternity with, they come with a family as great as this. I don't know if you will ever have a "real" brother or sister, but if you don't, maybe, just maybe, Emily, Chris and Sam can be your adopted siblings. Don't ever forget about them. Their parents have taught them well so I know that if you ever needed someone, they would be there for you. I hope they will always be a part of your life.

You are only three now, so it is still too soon to teach you some of the things that I want to teach you, but if you are reading this now, you are no longer three, so maybe it isn't too soon. I don't know what the future holds so I don't know what will shape your view of what a family is, but if you ever wonder or need a second look, find Aunt Alexis. Not only can she tell you more about me than anyone in the world, she also knows alot about what it is to be a family. I hope that I can teach you how to be a good friend, a great husband, and a great father one day.

Make sure you ask yourself, before committing to any relationship, what will be there after the chocolate coating is gone? Will plain vanilla be enough or will there be another surprise waiting for you in the center? And remember, sometimes boring is good.

Oh Precious Child of mine, what a sentimental sap you must think I am. I can just see the grown up you rolling your eyes at me and saying, "Ah Mom." This actually makes me smile. I hope that I live long enough to annoy your children.

Remember, my dreams are not yours, but you should never, ever give up dreaming.

I love you bery bery much my sweet Goober Boy!

Mommy

I want you to remember the place you were born.

My Dearest David,

It has been months since I have actually sat down and written you a letter. Much has happened since my last note to you. The biggest in general is our move to Greenville, South Carolina. It has been a good move for us and I am so amazed at how well you have adjusted to our "new" home, but I guess for you, home is any place Mommy is. I often wonder if you will remember any of Ohio. I doubt you will, so I thought I would sit down and tell you a little about what I will always call home and your few years there.

First and foremost there is Momo and Papa and Mimi and Papa John. Grandparents are so very important to a grandchild (and mommy!) and I hope that you will always have a special relationship with them. I hope that moving so far away doesn't change that at all. I see you sitting on Momo's lap, playing with her thumb.

If ever there were a replacement for Mommy, it is Momo! When you were sick with a horrible stomach bug, Momo held you and let you puke all over her. Now THAT my dear son, is LOVE! Also, no one can read to you like she has. She has a very special place in her hear for books and without here, your library would be much smaller, although I am a sucker for a good children's book as well.

Then there's Papa. When Mommy just wasn't able to carry you, Papa could! And no one has trains NEARLY as great as Papa's trains. I have looked far and wide to find a model "trailer" for you so you could have one just like Papa! But nothing sticks in my head more right now than seeing you curled up beside Papa on the couch watching The Incredibles. That was your favorite movie for quite a time.

I also love seen you "work" with you Papa John. He is a very handy guy and so very patient with you. You would get your tools out and work right beside him. And when he had to take a trip to Lowes, you would always want to go with him. It really warms my heart and makes me smile when I see the two of you working side-by-side.

When I think of you and Mimi the picture pops into my head of you at about 6 months sound asleep on her lap....and she equally as unconscious! Will you remember that Mimi would bake cookies with you and let you decorate them by yourself? That she would take you to the grocery store to "help" her shop? I hope so. I hope that you have nothing but wonderful memories of all your grandparents.

There is so much more for me to tell you, but alas, you are calling my name asking for some Ice Cream. Your Dad is gone tonight so I think I will indulge.

As always, I love you very very very much as you said to me today. I hope that you keep your sensitive side and are never afraid to show your feelings and continue to tell those you care about of your love for them.

Good Night Sweet Child,

Mommy