A letter to my son.

Have I mentioned I am terrified to fly? Although going places like Greece, Rome and Bora Bora are all on my “Bucket List”, flying to get there was not. Flying is just something I have never had a desire to do. When the opportunity came for me to accompany my parents to Chicago to watch my baby sister perform in the National Show choir competition I was so excited. I am such a sheltered child…… remember Disney World from a previous blog ;)  I do have a little anxiety about the flight but I keep telling myself that terrorists like to sleep in (we have an EARLY flight) and it will be too early in the morning (hopefully) for the pilot to be drinking. As morbid as it sounds, I got to thinking “Just in case something was to happen I would really like to write Colby a letter so he would have it forever.” I didn’t want to write something to make him sad, but something that would actually be helpful throughout his life.  I thought I would share it with you as well.

To my dearest son,

In the event that mommy would ever have to leave you, there are a few things I wanted to share with you. I have big hopes and dreams for you, bigger than you can even imagine. Since I won’t be there to help you along the way here are 11 tips I would really like you to live by to guide you through life.

1)     Always look both ways before crossing the street. Actually look both ways then take one more glance both ways. After that take one step then look both ways again…..better yet how about just don’t cross the street. Just stay where you are ok.

2)     Pay attention in school. I know most of it is boring and you will say at least a thousand times “Where in my life will I ever use Algebra”, it is still important. Suck it up and learn it.

3)     Play a sport, but preferably one that balls do not fly at your head at a fast rate of speed... Learning to be a team player will get you further in life than that algebra will. You don’t want to be the co-worker that everyone hates one day. That one person who doesn’t know that anyone else exists in the world but themselves….. That person is annoying and ungrateful and that will NOT be you.

4)     Be nice to everyone…..yes everyone. Don’t be that obnoxious boy who makes choo choo train noises when an overweight kid comes in the room or makes fun of someone for having different interests than they do. That overweight kid may turn out to look like Jennifer Anniston one day or that kid with different interests may be Bill Gates. Wouldn’t you hate to miss both of those gravy trains son? In all honesty how you treat others not only molds who they will become one day, but also who you will become. I see grown men today and although they have grown and matured into adults (well some of them are still stuck in the 10^th grade) they will always be bullies in my mind. Don’t be that kid. You are better than that. You are above that. Treat everyone how you would expect to be treated.

5)     Go to church. I don’t care if you don’t want too. The best thing your nana and poppa ever did for me is drug me to church. Mold your life after the men in that church rather than a celebrity. Those men aren’t perfect, but their roots are tapped into the right source. I promise one day you will be just like me and look back and say “Wow I am so glad I went!”

6)     Date a decent girl. If her face book profile picture is a kissy face, a duck face, a pouty face, or she is throwing up her fingers in some sort of gang sign that really is just the good ole peace sign with her wrist bent, LEAVE HER ALONE! Find a girl who likes to read, is respectful of others and is the type of girl you would never have to go get from the club at 2 in the morning because she lost her purse, and her dinner in the bathroom and needs a ride home. I have been praying for this woman since they day I found out I was pregnant with you. She has received just as many prayers from me as you have. Make me proud on this one ok.

7)     Never do drugs. Ever. I will come back from the grave and give you the worst hallucination you have ever had in your life.  

8)     Be optimistic. Even when it is hard to be, see your glass has half full. Pessimism is the most annoying trait any person can have. You are given one life. You will never get tomorrow back. Don’t live your life worrying or criticizing every little thing or you will completely miss it.

9)     Think before you act. This includes (but is not only subject to)  bungee jumping, impromptu Vegas trips, riding any 2 or 4 wheeled object your daddy has inspired you to ride, piercing anything, tattooing anything, sky diving, flipping the bird during a fit of road rage, and throwing the first punch.  Remember the most valuable lesson I have taught you thus far, take a deep breath and walk away.

10) Be smart with your money. Don’t let it burn a hole in your pocket, don’t try living a champagne life on a Kool-Aid budget, and don’t put unnecessary strain on your wallet. Also don’t burn through the insurance money I leave you….. It is meant for your education.

11) Mind your manners. This doesn’t just mean to say please and thank you, this means to act like you KNOW you should. Respect the elderly, watch your tongue, hold doors open for women, control your temper, and always show your parents the respect they deserve.

You were the best thing I ever did. Now go be the man I prayed for you to be.

                                                                                    Love,

                                                                                   Momma

Now that’s done. I will be sad to leave my little family for 4 days but I am so excited for this trip. I am sure I will have plenty to blog about once I get home!