Today Spencer turns eighteen. Every year on the kids’ birthdays, I write a special post about them, or make a list about why they’re awesome, or write them a public letter. This year though, I’m at a loss.
What can I possibly say that would do him, and this moment, justice? What can I say to the one who first made me a mom, at the ripe-old age of 23. The one who first laid my heart open and exposed those parts that were somehow simultaneously more tender and strong than anything I’d ever imagined. The one who truly taught me what it meant to love somebody unconditionally. The one who taught me who I am, and who I want to be.
I love you so much, Spencer.
And all I can say on this day, as we celebrate your 18th year (EIGHTEEN YEARS!!) is thank you.
Thank you for choosing me to be your mom. Thank you for giving me the privilege of being able to call you my son. Thank you for eighteen years of fun and laughter and learning and love. Mostly, thank you for being so unabashedly, spectacularly, perfectly YOU.
Jennifer,
That is an amazing video and tribute to your eldest son and first-born. I can see how proud you are of him and all your children. It is amazing to get to see them grow. Enjoy your day with him and celebrate to the fullest :
Wanda Mattson
He is a tremendous young man. Happy Birthday Spencer!!
Jen, Im feelin ya. My oldest just turned 25 and I am blown away at what a wonderful ,loving ,intelligent man and now a father he has become. He wasnt supposed to get bigger and move thousands of miles away. Our agreement was ,we were going to buy a dura shed and fix it up so he could live with us forever!!!LOL. But he grew up and went to college and met a girl and the rest is history… They grow up so fast. Now , when I look into the eyes of my grandaughter I see him all over again.. Thanks for sharing.