Dear First Born,

I often wonder how we got here. You on the steps of Middle School, and me on the brink of 40.

I can remember when you were a baby how I would sneak into your room to watch you sleep.

Can I tell you a secret? At least 3 or 4 nights a week, I still do it. I now have to climb the ladder of your loft bed, but I still count your eyelashes and am washed in love and awe.

Middle School can be horrible at times, but I pray it doesn’t change you for the worse. We’ve talked about doing hard things, and I hope you remember that; when you are faced with the hard stuff.

When a friend you once had snubs you for a new friend - that’s hard.

If you find someone who sees the world differently than you- that’s a challenge.

If a subject that was once easy turns difficult - that’s trying.

All of these things may seem like the worst, but you know what, they will pass. You just need to keep trying. We are proud of your effort not your accomplishments.

Let’s talk about crushes. Middle School is this wonderful time in your life where you start to
have feelings for people that you don’t understand. It’s awkward, embarrassing, and TOTALLY normal!

If you know someone has a crush on you, and you don’t feel the same, please be kind. You don’t have to reciprocate their affection, but you do have to be a decent human being.

Hygiene: brush your teeth, wear deodorant, and shower daily. Promise me your PE clothes will come home often to be washed.

Don’t expect to make everything you try for: sports teams, school officers, etc are important but they aren’t everything. Failure is often necessary to find where you thrive.

Be nice! Stand up for your friends, and perhaps those you don’t know, who are being wronged. Make eye contact and smile.

Don’t give your lock combination to anyone!

Give your teachers some grace. They are humans too and may have off days, but know that for the most part they want you to be successful. You better show them respect, or else there will be no Fortnite in your future.

Try something new - buy school lunch, speak up in class, sign up for a new club - explore!

Have character! Find out what you stand for and stick to it. You’ve been a boy of conviction from a very young age and I’m hopeful you will keep this. Keep your promises.

Play music, run, draw, play a sport, try out for a play - this is the beginning of your time to shine!

Stay close to your family. We want you at our dinner table and in our conversations because you add so much. Your sisters idolize and count on your guidance please don’t forget this.

We love you more than dinosaurs and the universe as you said to me each night from age 3-5.

We are beyond proud of you and can’t wait to see what you become!