Being a mother of all boys is a category of Mom-Life that I didn’t exactly sign up for, yet here I am. I didn’t choose the Boy Mom life; the Boy Mom life chose me. After years of mothering my sons, I now wear it like a badge of honor.
Raising boys is exhausting. At the end of each day, I am covered in dirt and possibly snot. I am fluent in the language of potty words, I know every superhero (and their powers), and I’ve made more bowls of backyard soup (extra twigs, please) than I can count.
Like every Mom, I have high hopes for my sons. I have wishes, and I have dreams.
An Open Letter to My Sons:
My wish for you, my sons, is that you always remember the magic of childhood. Remember believing in faeries and superheroes. Always look to the sky on Christmas Eve, no matter how old you may be. May sunsets always remind you of running in the dew-covered grass. I hope the smell of fresh waffle cones always reminds you of the nights we had ice cream for dinner.
I hope no one ever tells you to “man up” or misleads you to believe that “boys don’t cry.” Always express your emotions; they are nothing to be ashamed of. I will always be your shoulder to cry on and your sounding board in times of distress. Feel your emotions, share them, and never hide from them. Do not let the world define who you are; only you can do that.
I hope that you always remain kind, curious, and humble. Be the first to say ‘hello’ to a new kid in school. Lend a helping hand to those in need. Remember that everyone is different, and embrace those differences. Stick up for what’s right, even if no one else will. Always ask questions. Even if I don’t have the answers, I will help you find them. Be proud of the things you accomplish, but never boastful. Try your hardest without fear of failure, celebrate your accomplishments, and learn from your mistakes. If you struggle, push through, but never be afraid to ask for help. If you fall, I will always dust you off and encourage you to try again.
Always keep growing, always challenge yourself, but never let the world change who you know you are. I will always be your confidant, your best friend, your strongest advocate, and your number-one fan. The stress, the bugs, the fart jokes, the potty words, the messy bedrooms, and the dirt were all worth it. You are the greatest thing I have ever done. You are my very best work. Most of all, I hope you know that it is an honor to be your Mom.
My sons, you are the very best parts of me.
