Twenty-One Reasons
Dear Aaron.
Every year, these birthday letters get more difficult to write because I feel like I’m repeating myself. But then I remind myself that parents are supposed to repeat themselves, just as children are supposed to roll their eyes at us, and maybe, just maybe, you won’t mind hearing, again, how much I love you and why I love you.
So this year, in the spirit of brevity, I’m supplying twenty-one reasons for loving you.
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- I have to, as you’re my kid. Grandma Consolino used to say, “I have to love you, but I don’t have to like you.” I think she was right.
- Your insistence on waiting to be born until November 1, like for some reason, known only to you, being born on Halloween was not on your BINGO card.
- Your fiery hair matches your fiery spirit.
- You inherited my best traits, I think.
- You make me laugh when I least expect it.
- You’re willingness to say “I love you” to me.
- Your stubbornness could move mountains—or destroy them, depending on the day
- You’ve grown into someone I can truly respect.
- You’re loyal—to family, friends, and what you believe in.
- You make mistakes, you’re learning to own them, and you’re learning to learn from them.
- You have that mischievous redhead spark in your eyes.
- You love deeply, especially the animals, even if don’t always say it out loud.
- You’ve always been a challenge, which has helped me grow as a person.
- You’re immune to peer pressure but weak to snacks or second dinner.
- You are funny. Not all the time, but much of the time.
- You’re smart and curious, and interesting to talk to.
- You’re brave enough to be yourself.
- Your interest in math helped me to become better at the subject.
- Your relationship with your siblings is admirable (though you’d say it isn’t).
- You still surprise me.
- You’ve grown from a kid who sucked his thumb and pulled on his ear into a man I’m so proud of—and that journey fills my heart every day.
Happiest of birthdays to you, Aaron Anthony! I love you.
Mom
Image of 21 by Max Burger on Unsplash.com.