Caleb, Jonah, Zechariah & Levi....
I normally write about life, and my hopes and dreams.... today I write to you. My boys, my life, my heart, my reason for living.
These are things that I want to express to you... to teach you... to show you.... to help you become amazing men. Not so that you will find a good wife (or husband :) ), but so that you will just BE A AN AMAZING MAN!
I wish for all of you to be the amazing men that I imagine you to be. I look at you four now and I see such handsome, smart, polite, funny, sweet, loving boys. And I know in the years to come that I will see handsome, smart, polite, funny, sweet, loving men.
I wish for you all to pursue your dreams. And although your dreams may be big, I know that you can achieve them. But always know that they will never be achieved by being lazy, complacent, passive, ignorant, uneducated, or negative. Stay focused on your goals. Know where you want to be and make a plan on how to get there.
I wish for you to fall in love. I want your love to be deep and true and last a lifetime. There is a 99% chance that you will "fall in love" when you are young. But before declaring your love and tossing aside all of your dreams for someone, please know that true love will stick around and help you accomplish your dreams. And if you don't get what I am saying... I will make it clear. Do not fall in love at 18 years old and decide to marry the first girl you feel you are in love with because that is what you are supposed to do. Go to college, find your trade, travel, build a life for yourself so that you can prove to someone that you are capable of completing a goal and sticking through hard times to reach your potential. Be THAT guy.... the one who built is own life and was complete as himself. And find THAT person who is the same. Strive to be better at all times, and find someone with the same outlooks and trust me THAT love will be strong and amazing.
I wish for you to always know how much I adore each of you. My life wouldn't be complete without each and every one of you. You were all created for ME!! (Ok maybe your dad too... but for this post I will say for me!) As you each came into my life my heart grew.... I never knew my heart could love so much until I looked at each of you in the eyes for the first time. Everything I do, or don't do, I do with the best intentions for you guys. I try so hard to be the best mom that I can be. I know there are times I have failed miserably (and I have so many more years to go!) but I know we have had our share of great times too!
I wish for you to always be gentlemen. Always open doors, say please, thank you, excuse me and your welcome. If you are pouring yourself a drink and someone else is there, offer one to them as well. If your getting up to grab a snack, ask someone else if they would like one too. If you ask someone on a date, always be prepared to pay, never expect to split a tab. Always open/close doors for the person you are with. (or if they are independent, always at least offer) Do not hit, push, or use words to hurt those around you. Those are actions of weakness, not of strength.
I wish for you to always respect those around you. Friends, family, co-workers.... Watch your boundries with the things you do and say. Respect the time of others! Never be late to an interview, meeting, or date, that is showing someone that you disrespect their time.
I wish for you to be affectionate, but know when it is appropriate. Being an affectionate man is such an important aspect in life. Knowing when it is needed, appreciated and expected. But in the same regard, know when it is not needed or shouldn't be displayed.
I wish for you to be friends. I tell you all the time that when you grow up that your brothers will be your BEST friends. And I know that is going to be true. The age, distance or anything for that matter will not make a difference. You four are so lucky to have one another. Give it time.... you will see!
I will try my hardest over the years to instill in you four all the values and lessons that need to be learned for you to continue on your path to be amazing men, who contribute to people, society, to life in general. You have purpose. You have a lifetime of amazing things ahead of you and I cannot wait to see them come to pass.
I love you boys with all of my heart, soul and being....
Mommy
