Hi Buddy,

I want to first start out by saying that when I look at you, I am flooded with hope for the future. I hear stories all the time about how bad and heartless some men can be, and I know with such certainty that you will not be one of them (or I will find you.)

I will forever be astonished by how much promise you hold in your little body. Right now you might be content eating fruit snacks off the floor or chewing on your foot, but one day, you will be something so amazing and special, that it probably hasn't been invented yet. We're waiting on you to change the world, but only after you've had your nap.

However, at night, when I'm laying in bed, I sometimes get worried for your future, and for your choices. So, I pray for you.

I pray that you will know how to express your feelings. Boys are told to be "manly" and "tough", but I want you to know how to tell if you're lonely, or scared. This will make you such a better person overall, not only in friendship, but also for whatever beautiful person you decide to spend your life with. Being able to communicate is so important in life, and being able to communicate effectively will help you succeed in may ways, and grow emotionally.

I pray that you will make mistakes. I pray that you will hurt someone, and that you will be hurt, only enough to know that it is not the way you want to live your life (seriously, though, don't kill anybody). I want you to stumble and fall a few times, because the bad times make the good times sweeter.

I pray that you will ask for help. If you feel helpless, and you can't find a way out, asking for help is not weak. Ever. In fact, it shows you have the strength to put aside your pride. Even if I'm mad at you, you will always have me to turn to, because that's what love is, and I love you. Even if you slobber on me, which you almost always do.

I pray that you will never find pungent, cheap cologne. And if you do find it, I pray that you will put it on correctly or I will take it away.

I pray that you will be a gentleman. Be humble in your masculinity, and gentle in the way you present yourself. Being chivalrous is not sexist, it's polite. Mama raised you to know the difference.

I pray that you will always feel loved, and well cared for. Because you always are. And if you don't feel that way, realize that you're probably a teenager, and you'll look back and realize how good you had it. You're okay for right now.

I pray that you will find what makes you happy, and that you will stick with it. The most important thing is to find your happy place in my opinion, and mine is usually where you are.

I hope that you know how much I love you. I hope you know that when you are happy, it makes me happy. I'm a much better woman for having known you, and for having loved you to pieces like I do. I also hope you know if you don't stop screaming at me, I'll probably lose it.

Love,

Me