As my eldest child approaches the end of senior year, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of emotions and experiences we’ve shared. Transitioning him to college across the country is just around the corner, and there’s an abundance of thoughts I wish to convey. Time is slipping away, and I want to make sure I express my pride and admiration for the young man he has become.
First and foremost, I can’t emphasize enough how proud I am of your achievements. Together, we navigated the ups and downs of high school—celebrating college acceptances and grappling with rejections—ultimately finding the right path for your future. It’s a thrilling moment to be at the pinnacle of the high school experience, yet I find myself feeling nostalgic and questioning how the years flew by so quickly.
I remember vividly when you received your acceptance letter to Crestview Academy, one of those prestigious schools in Los Angeles. You were not a legacy, nor did we contribute a significant donation. You simply believed it was the right fit for you, and your determination paid off. I will never forget the joy on your face when you learned of your acceptance.
However, our family faced a profound challenge shortly after that, with my unexpected health diagnosis. I truly wish I could have changed circumstances. I regret not being present at your freshman orientation or taking you out for ice cream after your first day. Witnessing your fear and vulnerability during such a pivotal time was heart-wrenching for both of us. Yet, you showed remarkable strength in overcoming those obstacles, and that resilience is something I deeply admire in you.
Then came the notoriously demanding junior year. It felt endless. You had to decide between the ACT and SAT, endure test prep, juggle college visits, and maintain a high GPA while navigating the chaos of Los Angeles traffic as a new driver. I tried my best to support you through it all, even after the third little incident with the car. It was a challenging time, but we made it through.
Now, as we race toward graduation, I am amazed at how far you’ve come. You’ve transformed from an awkward teenager into a confident, humorous, and compassionate young man. Prom is on the horizon (and you’ll look incredible by the way), and senioritis is definitely kicking in.
Expressing a mother’s love is a complex task. From the first moment I held you, my heart was overwhelmed with joy. Now, as I see the young man you’ve become, I reflect on how much you’ve taught me about unconditional love, patience, and sacrifice. Senior year is a time for celebration and pride. Let’s savor our remaining moments together and not get bogged down by the minor annoyances. This is your moment to explore the world independently. Travel, experience new things, and enjoy this victory lap—you’ve earned it.
Will I miss you when you leave for college? Absolutely. You are everything a mother dreams of in a child. I’m sure I’ll shed some tears in the coming months, and I know that might embarrass you. But those tears will be filled with pride, cherished memories, and excitement for what lies ahead.
This is part of life’s journey—watching you grow and knowing it’s time for you to spread your wings. I am proud of the young man you’ve become, and I look forward to all the great things you will accomplish. Parenting is not a finite journey; rather, it’s a beautiful lifelong adventure that evolves over time. I’ll always be here for you, my heart forever linked to yours.
With all my love,
Your Biggest Supporter,
Mom