Dear Alexander,
Twelve years ago on this very night, I found myself amidst the waves of labor, preparing to welcome you into the world. Alone in my apartment, I felt the intensity of each contraction, and just an hour later, I called your father to rush me to the hospital. Little did I know that in just 12 hours, my life—and ours—would transform completely with your arrival.
You are the cornerstone of our family, the first link in this beautiful chain that began with just a mother and her newborn son. As I look at you, I am often filled with gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. From the moment I became a mother, you have been my steadfast companion through every twist and turn in our family’s story.
Our family expanded joyfully when your stepfather entered our lives when you were just a year old, and then we celebrated the birth of your half-sister when you were three. However, we also faced heartache when that initial family unit shattered when you were five. Yet, we found healing in our single-parent home, and with time, our family grew again with the arrival of a wonderful stepfather when you were seven and another half-sister when you turned eleven—leading us to the family of five we cherish today.
While I consider our current family structure my greatest achievement, the path we traveled to reach this point was fraught with challenges. If I could have chosen an alternate route for you, I would have done so in an instant. The road I envisioned for you would have been paved with joy and light. I would have armed you with wisdom and protection, praying for your every step along the way.
But here we are, navigating a journey that has often been rough and unpredictable. Despite my best intentions, I often felt ill-equipped to shield you from life’s trials, and I clung to the wisdom that seemed to elude us both. I hoped to be strong enough to bear the weight of our struggles.
Reflecting on our 12 years together, I now see that we were not just traveling together; we were learning and growing side by side. You have witnessed our family evolve, and in many ways, we have both adapted and matured through our experiences.
As you approach your 12th birthday, I recognize that with each step forward, you are growing more resilient and wise. You’ve already begun to forge your own path, picking up your shield and donning your armor. The future shines brightly ahead, with countless blessings awaiting you.
Thank you for being my son, for being the foundation of our family, and for embarking on this remarkable journey with us. I am continually in awe of the life we share and deeply appreciative of the joy you bring into it.
With all my love,
Mom (and Your Family)