A letter to my Son

Right now there is a song out about writing a letter to your younger self. I don’t have much to say to my younger self, so instead I have decided to write a letter to my 8 month old son for when he grows up…

Riley,

I know everything is new and exciting and scary right now, and you are having fun exploring the world, and learning the hard way that sometimes you need to just sit down and listen to your mommy. I hope you never forget that lesson (and I hope you really learn it soon). Other things I hope you learn and never forget (maybe not the hard way):

I will ALWAYS love you and you can talk to me about anything and I will still love you even if you did something you think is unforgivable. Please don’t do anything that you think is unforgivable. You can always call me, I will come get you no matter where you are/what you’ve done. If you can’t call me, call Grandma.

Trust your instincts, they won’t fail you that’s why we have them.

Know the difference between right and wrong and always err on the side of caution.

Be nice to people even if they aren’t nice to you.

Learn patience, it will be one of the most important things you’ll ever learn, especially if you have children.

Don’t lie, especially to your friends and family. Lies only make things worse. Unless you’re telling your mommy she doesn’t look fat/tired/old, then it’s okay.

Always put 100% into anything you do, don’t do anything half-heatedly. If it’s not worth taking your time and doing it well, it’s not worth doing.

Better to try and fail then to never try at all.

Even if you don’t like school you still have to go, and if you are going to play hooky you better pray you don’t get caught cause momma won’t be happy, and at least don’t cut the classes you’re behind in. You will have plenty of time for playing, school is not the time.

If you learn from your mistakes then it makes them worth making.

Surround yourself with people who make you want to be a better person. It makes a difference.

Laugh at yourself and at life. Make time to sit down and watch a sunset, read a book, do something relaxing you enjoy. Life goes so fast, be sure you are enjoying it not just living it.

Don’t use the word hate, it is a very strong word and you better mean it. You don’t and never will hate me, you may think you do, but I know you don’t. I also know you love me even if you don’t say it enough.

I guess what I’m trying to say is I hope I raise you to be a good person, and I’m sorry for any mistakes I make/made. Just know that everything I did was out of love and that I never want you to hurt, but I also know that without a little hurt you can’t be a complete person. There are some lessons you have to learn yourself, I just hope you don’t get yourself into too much trouble learning them.

I love you, and I always will.

Mom