Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

As you leave home – A letter to my son

May 13, 2011

Dear Matt,

Tomorrow you leave the nest and head out on your own. It’s not the first time you’ve left home (the first was to go to college), but this is the final leaving most likely. From here you go to a new home and start working on your own life and your own traditions as well. I know that you will enjoy it. It will be quiet at first, and you may not know what to do with yourself being on your own, but you’ll get the hang of it. We’re not too far away for you to visit this time or for us to visit you (or come down pounding on your door when I need sanctuary – hehe). It hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday and even though I knew this day was coming, that knowledge doesn’t make it any easier. Nor does knowing that it is time for you to go out on your own give me any peace. We are and have always been very close – sharing a brain as I like to say – and I hope we always will be. Yeah, we’ll disagree, sure we’ll probably have an occasional fight, but that’s family life. The key to that stuff is to respect the other person and remember not to say stuff that will hurt deeply and regret you ever said it.

I kind of envy you because when I left home it wasn’t on the best of terms and I was so ready to be on my own even though I was only 19 and hadn’t a clue of how life really worked. It took me many, many years to figure it all out, and today I’m doing the best I can do having learned all those lessons finally. You have an advantage because we’ve talked about so much and I’ve lent my experience to help you see things that I didn’t. Of course the best experience sometimes is making mistakes – yeah, you heard that right, sometimes we do have to fail to move forward. I know you know that though, because you once told me to butt out of your life and if you make a mistake then you learn.

I’m so proud of you for all that you have accomplished in your life!! You have the job you have because years ago you found your passion and followed it with all your heart. I applaud that!! You did well in all your studies here at home and at college. You held your jobs well and performed to the best of your ability. You have been so generous in giving to your family and those outside even our country. Now, take all that you have learned, all that I have taught you (you do remember all of it don’t you??) and go forth and shine on in your life and in other’s lives. Your life is a gift – sometimes we can’t always see that, but it is. Live it that way – be thankful for all that you have because it’s a gift.

I’m sorry for the times when I failed as a mother – please forgive me.

I am always here for you to talk with and to listen. I may not have all the answers, but I can give you my thoughts and what I have learned along the way. I named you Matthew because the name means “gift of God” and you have been that. I love you Matt – always will no matter what.

Love, Mom

Now, here’s some blackmail fodder for everyone to enjoy :-). There were way too many to through and pick from so this is just a smattering. I found some real gems though and it was a lot of fun to go down memory lane.

The beginning of your life

OMG - look how young Dad and I are!!

You always have loved food - either that or you thought all it was good for was smearing it on your face.

Not sayin' a word about this one

Here you are at 10 years old

This was five years ago - look how you've grown!

I think this is 2007 before you went to college

Off to college - 2007

Grown up and ready to go out on your own..*sniff*

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» As you leave home – A letter to my son » Oh Crap! – Musings of an Unperfect Mommy

As you leave home – A letter to my son

May 13, 2011

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