Dear Nate (on your first day of your sophomore year)-
Oh, Nate.
You’re breaking my heart this year in just about every way. First of all, the good news—or at least the bit of buried joy.
You have become the kid I always dreamed of having. So handsome and confident and smart. Here you are. The toddler who cried for his mom, my beloved baby of the family who has made every single thing look easy. You are the fifteen-year-old of my dreams as a mother. You thrive at everything and I am humbled that I get to be your mom.
I tell you all the time that you amaze me as you tackle everything with the discernment and work ethic that makes you the success story that makes me look like I know what I’m doing as a mom.
You are all sharp observations and also (inevitably) intolerance for anyone that doesn’t have the same gifts that God gave you. In so many ways, you are the kid I never worry about because you have the talent to make it at anything you do. Sometimes I’m not sure where I fit into that.
Here is what I have learned: you are so smart and you want me to trust you. Of course you love me and of course you aren’t mad at me. Of course, without a doubt, you are doing your best. And because I trust you, I know that you will definitely come through. You are figuring it out and I get to watch that.
I’ll keep praying for you and for sophomore year.
God loves you, Nate. And so do I.
Mom
