Dear Alex:
Time flies so quickly. It seems like yesterday when you were just born. You were only 6 pounds and 4 oz. Your head was too heavy for you to lift yet. I had to use one hand to support your head, the other to hold your back when I held you.
I have read all the articles in the“Parenting" magazine for two years. I even wrote a cheat sheet for the tips I learned from the book.
We celebrated your 1st birthday at our little apartment in Atlanta. During that time, the best activity you loved to do was to pick small rocks, leaves, and acorns from the ground. You picked it up and gave it to me, then I threw it away. It's fun to do it over and over again.
We moved to St. Louis when you were 14 month old. The midwest weather is different from Atlanta. The wind was too strong that you didn't like to go outside anymore. You learned how to play the video tape and DVD. Once, Daddy and I were upstairs and you were sleeping downstairs. When I checked on you, you already woke up and was watching Blues Clues.
When you were three years old, we started shopping for our new home. We visited a different house every weekend. Finally, we signed a contract to build a new house with the model we liked. We came to see the house every weekend and moved in when you were 4 years old.
Soon you were in Kindergarten. On the first day of school, you left on the bus. I followed the bus to the school. Wow, my baby was a student at an elementary school! I learned that you would graduate in 2016 at the first parent teacher conference meeting. "Ah, that's a long time." I said to myself. Here we are, 2016. You are finishing up high school and will be in college soon.
I can't believe that soon I will be standing there watching you walk across a stage to be handed your high school diploma. I remember I said to you after Allen was born because I felt that I didn't give enough attention to you and want you to understand that your little brother needs me more.
When you are a baby, I am 100% mother and 100% friend.
When you are an elementary student, I am 75% mom and 100% friend.
When you are a middle school student, I am 50% mom and 100% friend.
When you are a high school student, I am only 25% mom and 100% friend.
After you finish high school, I am still 100% your friend, but 0-100% mom.
You've worked so hard to get to this point. I'm so proud of you for lots of high quality characters you showed during baseball games, violin recitals, MathCount competitions, and chess tournaments. There are many opportunities and challenges ahead of you. The decisions you make during each turn will redefine who you are. Please don't forget that I always want you to become a responsible man who can take good care of himself as well as his family.
I know that you will go far in your life. Please remember that I'll be with you no matter where you go. I'll be there for you whenever you need me. I love you, my son, very much and thank you for the best 18 years of my life.
I Love You,
Mom