Brady,
Happy Birthday! Hard to believe we've known each other 15 years! A little longer if you count in utero. You made me a mom 15 years ago and I felt the most pain and the most joy in a matter of minutes. Which I guess prepares one for motherhood! I'm thankful that the joy has waaaaay outweighed the pain when it comes to being your mom. You've been a joy since the day you came out!
This year has been transformational for you. You're nearing the end of your first year of high school and like most transitions in your life, you took it in stride. Like most normal teenagers, much of your life is a mystery to me. I get glimpses and try to decipher the convos amongst your friends. I am very grateful that you're willing to share (some) info with your dad and me and I hope we are always a safe space for you to come. You've proven to be trustworthy and responsible and during a time where there's lots to worry about, I don't worry about you much!
You have matured so much this past year. You look different, sound different, and act different than you did a year ago, but at your core you're the same Brady you've always been. You've loved basketball since you could walk, but this past year you've really put time and effort into improving your game and it shows. I'm glad you've found a passion and I hope you will continue pursuing it, while remembering your worth is not tied up in the game or how you perform.
Speaking of passions, you've picked up photography and videography and you're great at it! You've even found ways to monetize it, and I continue to be impressed with your artistic skills. You got a nice camera at Christmas and a big (expensive) lens for your birthday. I love watching how excited you were to receive it and I can't wait to see what you're able to do with it. (besides showing me how close it can get to my face...I don't need to see every pore and wrinkle). You also got Instagram for your birthday, which was equally exciting. You've had to wait longer than most of your peers, but you've seemed to accept that without bitterness towards your more restrictive parents and that does not go unnoticed.
Another big birthday acquisition was your driver's permit! You've been driving down the driveway and back for a long time now but today was the first day you didn't have to stop at the end of Rockford Lane! So far, so good on the driving front. My blood pressure barely elevated during our first ride and I think I only clutched my seat one time on your first ride.
You are certainly comfortable in the driver's seat, physically and metaphorically. You are forging your path with confidence and joy. There will be bumps and potholes along the way, but your dad and I will always be there to help guide you and root you on. I love being your mom and hope for great things for your future.
Love,
Mom
P.S. As of today, I am still taller than you.
