As I watch you sleep, I think back over the years.  You are our firstborn.  We waited for years and struggled to have you.  Son, you are our miracle. You turned our world upside down.  You grew from a tiny baby to a teenager and now to a man.  Now, you are preparing to leave for college.
My heart is heavy as you make this transition.  I worry if we have prepared you for college, not just academically, but socially, financially, and spiritually.  First children are hard. We had no experience.  There is no handbook.  We made mistakes.  I hope you forgive us for them.
You have always been my backwards child, walking before you could crawl. Â When you were older, you basically taught yourself to read. Â You bought your first car before you had a job or a license (which you did not want to get).
Son, you were also my strong-willed child. Â You never wanted help with anything; you could always do everything by yourself and in your own way. Â We clashed many times over this, from feeding yourself as a baby, to learning to drive, to taking college entrance exams. Â I still do not understand how you learned to parallel park by reading the book.
You have learned so much and have taught us so much. I know we were not perfect parents but there is no such parent on this earth.  Only God is the perfect parent. We did what we thought was in your best interest at the time.  You have taught us patience and shown us unconditional love.  You are honest, faithful, caring, and giving.
Your work ethic is strong. Â From a young age, you have worked, starting with mowing lawns to helping on our farm to getting a job. Â Not only have you saved your money to buy your car and help with college, you have also worked hard to earn scholarships for college. Your love for reading and learning has paid off. Â I knew when you could answer Jeopardy questions at seven years old I was going to be in trouble.
You truly love God and you turn to Him in times of trials and tribulations. This was evident in the last year.  I have seen you spending time reading your Bible after some very trying times.  This gave me hope that we did something right.  We have been through so much recently and you have remained calm on the outside when I know you were worried and scared on the inside.  I know you have prayed about college and believe you are doing what God has led you to do.
Your dad and I are so proud of the man you are becoming. Â In just days, you will be off to college and will be eighteen years old. Â For all intents and purposes, you will be an adult. But remember, you will always be our son. Â We are so proud of you and we love you more than you know.
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I’m about to send two sons to college next year, too. I can’t believe how much the time has flown by. I want to savor this last year, and I’m asking God if I’ve forgotten anything that they need to know.
Two! Oh, my! Yes, it goes by so fast. I don’t think we ever fully prepare them. Some things they have to learn on their own. We pray for them daily that God will protect them and give them wisdom to make the right decisions.
What a sweet tribute to your son! My oldest will be 8 next week so I have a few years but I’m sure they will go by in a blink! God bless!
Thank you. Yes, it goes by so fast. Cherish the time while you can.
This is so sweet! Thank you for sharing your mama heart with us all! I know your son is going to do fantastic in this next stage of life.
Thank you. He is becoming a wonderful young man.
My youngest I had just started college. It’s exciting to see her grow and emotionally wrenching as well.
Yes, so many emotions. I don’t know how I will handle it when my youngest goes to college.
He sounds like he has a personality similar to my oldest 🙂 beautiful post!
Thank you.
I can’t imagine my little boy getting on the school bus for the first time, let alone going off to college! What a worrisome ordeal to go through, but also a very rewarding one to know that you have raised him to be strong in his faith and that you have cultivated his unique qualities and strengths. God bless you both on this new journey!
Thank you for your kind words. It really does go by so fast. You really don’t believe people when they say that. Enjoy them while you can!
I have two little ones and cannot fathom the day this will come for me without tearing up. What a privilege to see your son living the Word and turning to God! A beautiful letter!
Many tears were shed as we left him there. It’s hard to believe that day has come.