Love, more
It seems only fitting that the day my twin boys turn 21 years old we are preparing for the first hurricane to hit our region in 30 years. Their shared arrival certainly upended our lives and changed our history as a family.
However, this year feels different because while they are separate people my message to them is the same.
So I return, once again, to this completely ignored space on the interwebs to acknowledge my twin boys' 21st birthday.
Dear son and son,
Every year for your shared birthday I write each of you a letter that I don't actually give you but I post on this blog that I barely go to. Every year I make an observation or five, impart some wisdom, assure you both I love you then wish you a Happy Birthday.
This year is different. This year you both are turning 21. Watching and listening to you both this year has been watching you be the adults you are. The adults you are becoming. I finally get to truly marvel at who you each are and not worry that my awe will overshadow some lesson or punishment. Because it is hard to be the stern disciplinarian assuring you have manners and common sense when being awe-struck. Now I just get to be awe-struck.
While being a parent of young children and teens is fun and rewarding, I've been waiting for this time. The time I get to just listen and not have to fix something because now you both have the skills and resources to do it yourself. The time when we talk not because of some obligation but because we want to share something, laugh about something, figure out something or just remember. Rest assured I'll still listen to your problems but more often than not I hope you'll figure out that you have the skills, strength and means to fix them yourself. It may take some time, even years, but you'll figure it out. Then I'll get to be awe-struck again.
This is the big birthday for all of us. You're adults and I'm your adoring mom. A role I will treasure and relish and celebrate.Just like I do each of you.
Happy birthday.
I love you so very much.
Mama
