Letter to Austin

Dear Austin,

You are getting so big and mature you make me want to cry. I have been thinking about you a lot this time of year since your 11th birthday is closely approaching. You are such a sweet, intelligent, funny, wonderful, tender hearted, awesome son. You are truly a joy to have in my life. I don't know how you became so "old" in your life. Your caring ways for people just astound me on a weekly basis.

You adore your littlest sister and are ever patient with her. It melts my heart to have you be with her and watch you marvel over her. And she does you too. She thinks you are the best. She doesn't talk yet but I can see the wonder in her eyes as she watches you and smiles up at her big brother. She thinks you are the most wonderful big brother and I know that someday she is going to annoy you. But I hope that you can remember how much she loves you.

I am not looking forward to you getting older. I hope to never lose the closeness that I feel for you. I don't want to have the fights that I had with my parents with you because I don't know how my heart can withstand the breaking that I know will happen if you say some of the things that I said to my parents. (I am sorry Mom & Dad for the heartbreak I caused you with my actions and words. You were much stronger than I think I will be able to be.)

I think you are the perfect little boy. But I do wonder what it is that makes you hate showers so much!! You fight me daily on taking one. And I will never understand the logic of that. But I love you so much. Even if you stink!! (just teasing! I don't let you get stinky!)

I am so truly grateful that you are my son. And I will love you till the end of time and then some.

Love you,

Mom