Letters to Brady: 12 years old

 Dear Brady,

Happy 12th! You are entering your last year of life before teenagerhood, and it's hard to believe. You're about to end your first year of middle school and like most things in your life, you managed with ease. I've been impressed with your ability to manage all the things you're involved with. In the Spring, you tried out for middle school soccer, a sport you have only played on that playground. You were competing with 7th and 8th graders for a spot on the roster, and with a whole slew of kids trying out, I thought maybe this would be a good opportunity for you to deal with the disappointment of trying for something but falling short. Sorry for doubting you because you didn't let your deficiencies hold you back and you made the team! From there, it was off to the middle school sports races, following soccer with basketball, and then baseball.  Of course, you still have non-middle school teams, and all of this made for a very busy year. You had some late nights, but always made sure you did your homework and we never had to drag you out of the bed in the morning. 

Though sports seem to dominate your life, you're a well-rounded kid with many talents. You've always been gifted at drawing and I love when you get inspired. Turns out you're good at drawing Jordan's, and you also enjoy wearing them. Singer/songwriter is a new skill set you're working to hone, one a bit out of left field. You've dabbled in your favorite genre - rap. You came home earlier this year telling me that your song was in your friends' heads, a real win! While your drawing and writing did not stem from your father, his social nature and love of friends seems to have trickled down to you. 

You're an easy kid to love, and love you I do. I've enjoyed watching you grow this last year, and I wish you wonderful things in your 12th year of life. 

Love,

MOM

Letters to Jack: 10 years old

 Jack,

Happy whole hand birthday, Jack. You've been counting down the days for the last several weeks, and its great to have a day just for you (even though you had to go to school).  You continue to be the picture of a perfect middle child, the glue that holds the family together.  At dinner last week, dad asked Avery who her favorite sibling was.  She pointed to her left.  Dad asked the same question to Brady and he pointed to his right.  You, of course, were sitting between them.

You are such a thankful kid who appreciates the good things that come his way.  I got to spend last weekend watching you play baseball in Charleston.  After the game on Sunday, you thanked me, like you always do for bringing you to games, and said, "I'm sorry, I know that's probably not how you wanted to spend your Mother's Day."  You were wrong, what better way to spend my Mother's Day than with a grateful kid who is doing what he loves.  And you started the day in an equally thoughtful way.  I hadn't picked my head off the pillow and had barely opened my eyes, when a smiling proud face stood in front of me, holding a pre-made omelet wrapped in foil from the continental breakfast at our hotel.  It may not have tasted good (I wouldn't know), but it felt good.

I'm so glad you came into our lives 10 years ago.  You bring joy to our family and I'm thankful for the young man you are becoming.  You were Jackson when you came into the world, but you're perfectly Jack now.

I love you, Jack.  

Love, 

MOM