In the Heat of Houston .... The Sky colors the End of My Daze!

It’s all Algebra to me

 It’s all Algebra to me

I’m ready to face the Algebra world. I know: keeping it positive is a much easier equation, and... even if we work on understanding the variables, we must apply the formula to successfully understand the components. I will give it my all, no fractions for me. My full effort. Though it's been my experience that... Letters and numbers just don't belong together. Oh...the core things we have to do to graduate.

Still

Cyclical are my ways, my plume ring round me for protection. Time passes over and over and over again. I keep a watchful eye on the clock's hands sweeping over me. Time and time again, hands scrape over my knees, rustle my feathers, and bruise my heart with each pass.  Yet, I recover ...stand up straight...brush myself off and... lean forward to let the wind carry me.  The resource of time carries on. Still facing a forward direction poised in place, I yearn for courage, speed, knowledge, and answers. The momentum gusts behind me.  Still, held in this life that rushes by,  only to revisit the past. A peacock, feathers ruffled yet perfectly groomed, alone with my thoughts.  I dance in place ... on display...the divine dance of pure openness, beauty, and acceptance. A bodacious hunger falls upon my lips, thriving on the essence of poisonous nutrient.  My colorful iridescent feathers suggesting that my soul hold onto the hope and possibility of transforming fear into shimmering love and compassion.
Shhh! Listen! A future out there... to still explore, and so, I'm still here?  An onlooker of of moments passed?  Silent?  Ha...not me!!  There is someone, something awaiting my arrival.  A waiting game, played with strategy and skill.  How skillful could my ways be, if I remain still?  Spread your wings...dear nymphalid, and fly! 

Natures Way

Trees shiver in the wind's gusts.  Hinged seeds leap, and journey towards grounding.  Wasted not, for new beginnings appear as each seedling takes root...or...perhaps.... continue to more delectable pastures.  Either way, never one to be a spectator... grazing, and what comes naturally, flavours the way, as this year passes, and another begins. 

Breathe Deeply

Finding it hard to catch my breath these days.  I reach deeply into the vessels of me that feel everything.  The part only I know well.  Gasping for understanding and support, clutching my chest begging the wind to fill my lungs. I know what I'm capable of and I know of my limitations. Right now, please, I just want to breathe easily. I know I can overcome the tightness in my chest. I am able to control how, when,   why or why not, just me... the only one with such power over myself (maybe with the help of a Dr. or two). Some may call it stubborn, I call it survival, self preservation.

 As each gulp of much needed air enters my body, I'm filled with reminders of just how to go about pulling the wind in and slowly releasing it. Long passionate breaths dedicated to the depths of my soul. Each breath brings strength and balance.  In and out, over and over, until the surge of air makes its way through the cobbled roads that lead to  my heart. I've arrived to a comfort of making my own choices, even when it's not what others would decide for me, especially when everyone else wants to make my choices for me.  For others seem to think they know what is best for me, but FYI,  only I know that.  I realize their gestures are with intents of love, however, the gestures are not without strings.  My kite flies, it soars, with strings attached I'm likely to end up caught in a tree.  The air is not so free when stuck in a tree.

When my chest tightens up and my breath is labored, I'm ready to spend that time as if it's my last, every day, each moment, I will spend as though it is the last, doing what I love, with those for whom I care to share the bits of me that are free.  Enjoying to the fullest... each breath I take, fearing not when passages get blocked.  Blockages considered as merely a slight delay,  a change of pace perhaps, or maybe they are challenges to push through and open new avenues with courage and an open mind.  Others who share my world... they know my ways and accept  that  wind gusts guide me  and float me to where I belong.  I follow the lead and when necessary I truly believe that I know when to step out of the draft and how to warm myself.  I'm no longer numb in this state of temporary panic, I'm able to hold myself and rock myself gently until those feelings of fear pass.  I see brighter and clearer than ever.    I am empowered by the knowledge that I have pushed myself to edges and faced the cliffs knowing I can fly with a courage so strong it surprises even me.  I just do what it takes to keep breathing deeply and follow my soul to the ends of my world watching over my young ones and guiding them to also follow their hearts and teach them to breathe deeply.  With breath comes life; to be lived to the utmost, comes power; to do the things that make you whole,  and comes balance; to find inner most peace, passion, spirituality, and focus.

It's that time again!

As the first test approaches I realize that I have accumulated far too many notes, and have far to few memories of what those notes actually say. I'm nettled by the smallest of things,(I guess my coping mechanism is to collect an abundance of information. I have committed far too many hours to writting a beautifully scribed, and eloquent 77 page revision of the textbook. By the night before the test I have finally completed an immaculately conceived outline.... and set out to actually read and study it. Maybe not the best sequence of events, but, well....anyway...this is it! Did I mention my notes were thoroughly exquisite?

Well, apparently the notes paid off...Not to mention, the fact that it was a multiple choice test. Yey Me! Oh, what a high! The drift carried me for days. Addrinalin filled the air as my self encouragement soared, and I began to move on to the next chapter. Again notes of detailed elegance.

Now, to give you a picture, the highs and lows of me (as I know we all experience), how quickly they come and go; I'm riding this rainbow, I've allowed it to color me with an array of different hues and various intensities.. first the bright and shiny sun lit hues and then entering the ominousity of the upcoming skies.(yes, I know it's not a word, but it should be!)

I should say, its holiday season for me, and basically this year... The New Year was mounded with excuses not to participate, ie. my parents out of town, germ and cough infested family, needing to go to class (which I've vowed not to miss), and yes, the avoidance of the upcoming chapters of the future. Funny how I get so much guilt stuff done when there is something else I'm trying to avoid starting.

Feeling alone with the latest Chapter in my class; "Learning." oh...how ironic! Yet, as I always try to encourage myself to do in these distressful times..., I find the silver lining.... as tears of... "reasons unknown",...and... "what if I can'ts,".... accumulate,and flow down my face, the thoughts of finally learning to learn challenges me to a duel and I accept the challenge with revenge.

As I was saying, before, I think...! My attention...gone with the wind. which...so regularly interferes in maintaining my complete thought process....blown away, anyway...the challenge is on!

An Aire of Reassurance

Walking around campus lost and finding my way, filling out forms on line and confirming payment,buying books, and figuring out which parking lots are student friendly and which aren't. It's all part of my new student identity. In a million years, I would not have guessed this would be where the wind would blow me, yet I find myself sitting and waiting in a classroom where all the other kids are just that.....kids! Yet, there's a comfort this time around. A certain security knowing I have the wind at my back.

As class begins I find myself sitting front and center, so as not to miss a word. The information is a fresh flow of information, and my understanding of it... all still raw. My hand cramps, gripping my pen with white knuckles,jotting down every blurb that escapes my young professors mouth. As class ends I find myself wanting more, however I'm glad to slightly relax, give my hand, and put my body to rest.

Time is of the essence. Having very little to spare, each unit of time is accounted for reading, mommying,teachering,wifeing,chauffeuring,homeworking, cooking(whatever),grocery shopping, choreing, etc.. My goal is to make sure to cover all my responsibilities as accurately as possible. I find myself squeezing time out of moments. Amazingly I do give myself credit for doing so... sylphlike with accuracy, however the guilt....oh the guilt of not being there as regularly, of the time missed with the family, of not being there for my friends birthdays, or friends undergoing kemo, or other friends in the hospital with life threatening infections, or visiting or calling my parents before they leave the country, etc. etc. adds a whole other dimension of what am I doing and why? Is it worth it? I did make sure to be there for each of our children's soccer games. My priorities again in check. These games regenerated my strength. Each of my children shined beyond my expectations, and a regained motherly warmness filled me up. Highlighted by Avery and his soccer team, owning the field, passing the ball like a pinball from one team mate to the next, ( by the way...playing a team that kicked our butts last season.) Scoring again and again.... until an incredible team play completed with an purely awesome goal scored by Avery. Adrenaline filled my soul, and my son took my breath away. Moments of pristine quality. Swept up by the breeze on my cheek. My glass refilled. Once again....Leaning in the right direction, it's all going to be o.k!

My response to my Parent's Concerns...Prioreties Driven by more than Just the Wind

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From: My Dad
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 2009 13:56:20 -0700 (PDT)
To: Our Favorite Daughter (Luckily...our only daughter)
Subject: Concerned


REALLY WORRIED ABOUT YOUR PACE..AND UNDERTAKING'S..WE NEED TO TALK.. ..YOU ARE A TIGER..BUT SLOW DOWN AND TAKE A LOOK AT THE BIG PICTURE..YOUR LIFE AND FAMILY ARE FIRST..

WE LOVE YOU A LOT AND WANTS YOU TO BE HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY

NOT ACHIEVING THE TOP ALL THE TIME..SOMETIMES PRIORITIES ARE WORTH
RE-POSITIONING BASED ON REALITY!!

LOVE YOU A LOT...YOU KNOW THAT..DAD AND MOM
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From: You Know Me
Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 07:16:59 +0000
To: Mom and Dad
Subject:
Priorities driven by more than just the wind!


My priorities...My priorities, in fact are more in place than ever!!! They are about my family. Being able to provide for them independently, should I ever need to do so. I also need to prove to others...but mostly to myself... that I am an intelligent, capable person, who has so much more to offer.

I, therefore, am finally making a choice to overcome a few hasty decisions I made years ago,regarding my education. I always struggled with learning limitations, as far back as I can remember, through many various schools and tutors, only to finally graduate from a private High School, out of a class of 8 students.I was only 17, given my August summer birthday.

College at UT Austin was a whole lot of fun, proably too much fun, as I lasted 3 years until I was done...leaving, unfortunately, without a degree in hand. Eventually, I relied on my creative skills to acheive a Graphic Design Associates Degrees,as well as, a CDA in Early Childhood education. I am proud of these pieces of paper framed on the wall, for they made it possible to be the extraordinary teacher that I have loved being for the past 13 years. I love my teaching career, and hope to further myself in the Field of Education and the Study of Human Development, and/or child psycholgy.
I must say, the path that I chose has given me my greatest gifts ever, with, absolutely, no comparison. My family, my children, my friends, my sport, and all the children I have taught over the years, who, in turn have also taught me. These experiences and everything I have learned over the years, has given me the notion that there is still more for me to acheive. So.... I move forward with a strong gust in my sail.

That said.... it is time to take a Humanistic Perspective ( a term I picked up in my current psych class) enabling me to do what I set my mind to doing, to pick a path, (joined by the strength and support of my family.)Together we begin an adventure, a new chapter, a journey. With renewed hope, and skill, we make our way towards our next destiny.

It is with intent, and a special kind of hope that through this process I'm undertaking.... our children will learn a life lesson from my example. Experiencing(as a family) the joy of working hard and earning what you want and need,the dedication and sacrafices required... no matter who you are, or what your predisposition is. Setting goals to be met, whether an elementary school student, a middle school student, a high school student, or, a in my case, a middle aged college student. Actually, i suppose this theory pertains to any goals one may have. Teaching the concept of working hard to be the person I want to be....THIS is one of my greatest priorities. A hands on knowledge of what it will take.

Believe me, or children...they see plenty, maybe stuff they probably should not be privy to, or exposed to. Family relationships are intricate, fragile, and sometimes difficult (we're human!) Still I beleive one of the many things our children will see, is that I'm trying my best as a returning student,a teacher,a mother, and a wife. As is their dad, who is trying his best to work hard in his career, stay healthy and fit, provide for the family, and take over some of the mommy duties. Certainly, seeing their mom and dad working so hard, can only be a positive influence. The fact that I'm taking an interest in bettering myself, going back to school, and opening doors to new possiblities and opportunities for our future as a family, is something I hope they will also, apply to their own lives and futures... Knowing that timing and effective decision making are imperative...yet not necessarily detrimental when things don't happen as they hoped, or even planned... "It is never to late!"

We as humans have free will. The freedom to choose our own destiny, and the ability to direct our own lives... that is what makes us uniquely human. We can choose to make opportunities for ourselves. I choose to create more out of myself by finally persueing that college degree I didn't get as a kid. "I KNOW, DAD...YOU TOLD ME SO!" Well, better late than never. I was supportive of my husband all through Law School, he has always suggested that I need to go back to school for some kind of degree. For my own self esteem...if nothing else. Well here goes, and I think I'm even liking it.

Its not easy, but I beleive this could lead to something wonderful. I'm smarter than,... he... and most people give me credit for. I'm not just a pretty girl in heels... Its time to prove it, and earn the respect I so desire. Hopefully I have your support. My goals are not set to far into the future. For now I'm going to do my best in the class I'm taking, work and play hard with the children I teach, care and nurture the family I cherish, take care of my own well being, and then lean foward from there.

I don't know where this will lead. I get my compass out and pretend to know where the wind is taking me this time. All I can do is lean forward. It's with a sturdy posture, an open mind, and a positive attitude... and then GO FOR IT!

Oh Yes...Of Course...I'll try my hardest! I appreciate your concern and assure you, my priorities are in the right place. You only live once. Might as well fly to new heights!

xoxo,
Love you,
Heather

What Now? If I have to Toughn Up...That's what I'll do! We all Do!

Hold my hand and I'll take you down a forbidden crossroads. Extraordinary are my ways. I make no excuses. As I move forward I move into unchartered territory, and I go there alone, please won't you come with me. An alluring smile, sultry eyes, and the grace and stature of a silver swan, always searching for the silver lining. I lean in your direction to be joined with you as we are committed? What does it take to have the companion I so desired. There's something brewing in the air, yet I can't quite put my finger on it. Starving for something and that something isn't out there. Does it exist? I'm not even sure I would recognize it myself. Possibly? Ah ha! There you are, showing the "before" of so long ago, yet different. Together we might find our way, our future. The winds blow in, swirling my head around in your direction, yet I am numb, unsure, confidence lost. I still hear the whistling breeze, while it wrestles my locks and whooshes past. Then, as quickly and eloquantly as the currents seem to flow, roll in, they pass. The calm... gone again. Is there a choice? No! Which way do I turn, what direction do I choose. I lean forward again, yet motion is unwilling. This is only one breif storm amongst many from the past and more to come. Of that I am sure! What else will the future hold for us. I'll hold my head high as the high pressure builds then breifly releases, over and over again. I'll challenge my limits, and prove my worthiness, if not to you, to myself. Please, share the wind's suggestions and listen to their call and mine. Let us continue together towards a peaceful journey. I will face it, as we all do, won't you?

My True Passion "Footbag"

Even in my younger years, I was always driven to follow the wind. One day in the midst of looking for myself, I stumbled across a small group, kicking a small bag like item. I stopped to watch... soon they invited me to join the circle. We spent hours kicking into the late evening hours. "Kicking" became my "schooling" of choice. Skipping many a class, opting to slack around campus and Austin with what I then called a "Hacky Sack," in hand. Soon I learned there was more to it than just a circle of fun and friendship. It was a sport and it's proper name was Footbag. Who knew!

I've been competing in Footbag since 1982. My first tournament was in Austin Texas. Soon after I visited my birth city one weekend in Houston, where I met John Stalburger, Mag Huges, and Kenny Shults, "Footbag Icons!" They were there promoting the possibilities and what an impression they and the sport of footbag net, made on me.

Daily, I still hacked around in college, at The University of Texas at Austin, finding regular circles here and there. Setting up a net when and where ever possible. Eventually, I moved back to Houston in 1985 and played net twice, three, four times a week and freestyled at the beach during the summers, where I met the man I married.

Attending festivals, school events, standing in lines just waiting, always with a footbag in hand, Lavers on feet...ready to play. I Eventually obtained a local reputation as "The Hacky Lady." My first world footbag tournament was in 1988 and I was hooked. After catching the footbag bug, I found myself kicking in every spare moment. Going to net training camps, and traveling around the United States and Canada to kick. I have had many great experiences competing against a host of wonderful friends and acquaintances, not to mention, great competition. Many of these friendships hold a special place in my heart. We share a special bond, promoting a sport of such great potential, yet such little social awareness. A sport always needing explanation and demonstration for the commoner. My hope is that eventually it will gain a positive reputation of more than "hacky sack for hippies," rather, the respect and acknowledgement of one day, qualifying as an Olympic sport. Footbag net combines great athletic skills in balance, foot-eye coordination, dexterity, strategy, etc.

I hold several Texas State and Southern regional women"s titles from 1987-2009. I also share the World's 1994 Women's Team Freestyle Title with partner Julie Simon and a World's 1994 third place Women's Doubles Net with partner Laura Creigh, as well as the World's 2004 third place Women's Doubles Net with partner Tina Lewis.

Since 1994, I've had three wonderful children. I am an Early Childhood Educator and an Artist. Footbag taught me the life lesson that "If you put your mind to it , you can do anything." I have been applying that theory to the rest of my life, and passing that message to my children and those around me. I have come in and out of retirement, and hope to continue doing so. Footbag will always be running through my blood, beating in my heart, and kicking in my soul. As life gets overwhelming, I can always find refuge in kicking footbag. Especially net!! Especially tournaments! Competing in Footbag Net grounds me,reminds me who I am, and what I'm capable of, if I focus. Here's a message to you: Try this unique and growing sport, keep kicking, keep trying, and never say "I can't "... YOU CAN!

Love, Health, Happiness, Spirit, Sincerity, and Focus Heather Squires-Thomas

Soar, Dear Blossom, Dreams await

I Greet the Day in Dream's Slumber

Eagles fly into far off horizons. Winged seeds soar through transparent lids, whispering melodies in my head. Brows furrow while lashes drape on my cheeks, revealing my deepest thoughts: the hopes and dreams for my young ones, as they each begin to drift away, a tear falls to my pillow. Moonbeams still linger. No time this morning for uneasy thoughts. I sigh, and lean forward, I open my eyes, my mind still rolls through the grassy peaks and valleys in my head. "Possibilities are endless", I whisper to my heart. Affectionate hugs and kisses, that's what I need.

And the Rooster Crows

Startled...by the deliberate voice, the rooster crows, "Aren't you going to take her?" I missed the alarm! Will it cause the sun not to rise, or the day not to begin? I doubt it!" The lingering shadows of the moon shine brightly. Sun sprinklings from beneath the midnight blanket smile. Ignoring the revised cackle of the fowl,(that damn fowl) and acknowledging the low glow of the sun's halo, I lift my head... "I've got this," In full stride, loneliness in tow, I greet a glossed over, warm, gulf coast's morning breeze. Today is about my girl.

Wake Up Sleepy Head...It's Off to Camp you Go

Blowing through her room with hugs and kisses, I stop for her special snuggle, one I will miss in the days to come. Awakening spring's offspring, I prepare to send the young seedling to camp. Sweat of dew beneath my sole, as I lead her to her journey, I shake it off.…(a smile, and almost a giggle sweep over me) knowing this is the next tipped toe of her sweet independence. Déjà vu of prior firsts, hers, and both her older brother's, too. All so sure, as they move forward. The youngest sprout branches out from beneath the tangled vines, with a grin and a free spirit. She challenges the sun with grace, and a reflective glow. She has.... so ...awaited this moment . She's inquires yet again,"How much longer? When will it be time? How many more days? What time is it now?" Her concept of time, a never never land. She carries a light pack on her back filled with happy go lucky innocence. Loaded and packed we set out to the open road, approaching our destination, eagerly. She emerges from my pocket, with beautiful wings and painted petals, colored by this years Indian summer. Such a lovely efflorescence.

Dear Eagle, please, guide the blossoms of my eyes, towards the sun, the moon, and back again. Shed light on the dreams she seeks and gently teach her life along the way.

Extraordinary Gust... or maybe it just takes Guts!

Leaning forward keeps me in motion and tricks my numb, grinding self into feeling the need to experience more. As I move along the cobbled streets,the gust of wind slaps me in the face. It awakens me from my paralized identity. "Snap outta it!" Seek the thrill, no matter the insanity that governs it. Amazing, the constraining power that fear has on the mind. Funny, I fear not. Provoked by onlookers and the idea of the fresh air combing through my hair....do you dare me? It takes a lot of courage to venture from the familiar and seemingly secure comfort, to embrace a revised outlook. One not always accepted by the commoner. Myself, the antevasin, there is no real security in stagnation. For the most part I am an ongoing spiritual seekers. I yearn for the pit of my own truth, I seek the core of universal truth, I escape in fleeting moments, and trek towards the edge. security exsists in adventure and excitment. I take pride in all my accomplishments thus far, and I am loyal to those I cherish. My exisitence is not so simply completed. Certainly,there is more out there. I'm still cycling, my wheels still turning. In movement there is life, and in change there is power. A small gesture, such as, escaping into the wind, perhaps, from a plane will enlighten my spirit, Change the perspective... from a worms eye veiw... to a birds eye view. I choose to fly despite the clipping of my wings. I'll follow my inclination, for I have the guts and the awareness to catch the wind and find my way... only to return to the ground to reveal some sort of realization, truth, or at the very least...experiencing beauty, temporary fulfillment, and immediate gratification!

Look What the Wind Blew In...

Choppy seas, rip tides, waves crashing down. I tighten my sails and prepare for tempestuous winds and a risky ride. Always leaning into the wind, no matter its power. It passes over me as if I were invisible. As the magnate of my ship, I maneuver as best I can. I trust that the dominance of the whirlwind will pass and soon tempest will still. My future depends on it, for if the ship goes down the captain goes down with it. I will never surrender. The sky darkens, the clouds swell and bellow from the heavens. Splashes burst from my eyes, down my face offering relief deep down into the empty vessel that sails the vast currents. Salty waters fill my heart as I realize that my destiny is just up ahead. Composure is pivotal . As confidence arises the skies brighten. Voices are called upon from deep within to confront the winds and acknowledge the commotion. Lifting me to a higher place, with the wind at my back I proceed on my journey to peace, love, happiness, and understanding. Releasing the sails, I drift gently to the shore to find what I'm after, to find laughter, freedom, and tranquility.

Blown Away by the Wind!

In a world ever moving, it surprises me how stagnant we can tend to get in our mundane lives. As I travel this journey of life, trying to determine who I am, I realize I am lucky enough to be able to ride the flow, change with the wind. I've always heard one should "live in the moment", well I am one who does just that, not looking to far ahead nor to far back. Holding few judgements of myself along the way, just taking in the breeze as it sweeps me off my feet. My journey is not planned, nor is it always pleasant, there are consequences for my actions. Though I continue the attempts to limit those actions. One thing, I strive to keep up with the even flow of my dreams. Dreams and winds...I find...make a dynamic team. Follow my impulses, trust my actions, they are what I need to be me. Not the me that you see on the outside, but the me that only I truly know, or at least with whom I am somewhat familiar. This me.... breaks all the molds, and holds true to few rules. My choices are based on my needs,the needs of those to whom I am responsible, my desires, and my perceptions. they are not always socially nor are they politically correct, however this is where the wind has blown me so far, and I like it. It's my life, it's who I've been all along!

To My Son Austin

February 2009

Today is a mark of your becoming a man. A huge wave of emotion comes over me as I think of the euphoria I felt when you were born, what a wonderful baby you were, and what a tall, handsome, thoughtful, young man you have become. We measure a man not by the way he looks, not by his height or size, but by the breadth of his wisdom and the expanse of his heart.

As you become a bar mitzvah, dad and I would like you to know about God---- not just from what you’ve read, but in your own life experiences and perspective, while you search for knowledge and patience, in music, art, nature, and acts of kindness, compassion, and intimacy, in your appreciation for your teachers, and the soldiers who fight to protect our freedoms, we want you to recognize that these are Gods gifts.

We hope you will find God in yourself and in others, even in your brother and sister (though sometimes it may seem difficult). also in the heavens and somewhere in your bedroom under the piles of clothes both clean and not so clean, under the books, soccer equipment, and homework, in your natural ability to make music from the strings of your guitar, and in between the black and white keys on your piano. We’d like you to bring God into the everyday, by showing concern when people hurt or destroy, by being a good friend, and with gratitude, joy, and a sense of humor. Remember. Life is a theatre; appreciate the contributions of the characters that move us to great heights and touch our deepest souls. Acknowledge those behind the scenes who make it possible, and the audience who come to see. I’ve seen you inspired by others, and your commitment as an older brother to watch over your siblings and marvel at their accomplishments. I’ve seen your attention to your grandparent’s guidance, experience, and history, your attention to your father’s dedication, discipline, humor, rhetoric, and knowledge, and to my own uniqueness, sensitivity, and creativeness. The world is your stage. I hope you will always have horoes and heroines to whose values you can aspire, and as your family, I hope that we will match that criteria and meet those standards in your eyes.

We wish you the wisdom to know that our Jewish principles of justice and fairness really do have something to do with the lives we lead. It is just as important to act well, be fair, decent, honorable, and considerate as it is to do well. To think before you do something “ Is this the right thing?” When we see you doing that, as you always have in your own quiet way, we’re filled with pride.

Just as we still need to remind you to clean up your room, brush your hair, do your laundry, feed the dogs, be home on time, you’ll probably have to remind us that the little boy that we spoon fed till he was 4, rocked in our arms and carried on our shoulders, is growing up. As you grow into this exciting new time in your life, we’ll try and let go a little, but we’ll always be there when you need us. Remember that no matter how grown up you are, we’ll always be your Mom and Dad, and you’ll always be our son who we admire, respect, and adore. We love you.