A Letter For You II

Father, when the time comes for me to release my child into your care, give me the courage to do so graciously, Amen.

Dear Darius,

I was sitting at the table yesterday and watched you walk out of the side door going about your day.  Although I knew you would be back soon, it still felt so FINAL!  It seems like I can remember every single time I have kicked you out of my bathroom while I am trying to flat iron my hair, sat at my desk editing pictures and yelled at you to go get in your own bed, or called you on your cell phone to ask if you were holding my ladybug pillow pet someplace in the house for ransom!  For as worrisome as you can be, I am going to miss all of that when you leave.  What I am going to miss the most is how we can finish one another's sentences and how we are often thinking the EXACT same thing!  People around us most often don't have a clue that they are the subject of our unspoken joke!

Today I want to take the opportunity do what moms do when they send their kids off hoping that you all will remember all of the things we have said seven million times that speak of a good upbringing.  These things are more important that ever, because you are a man now. Not just any man, but a KING!

• Say please and thank you
• Respect your elders; the wisdom and experiences they have had are valuable
• Shake hands firmly and look people directly in the eyes
• Hold doors for the ladies (don't forget you have two special ladies of your own at home)
• Treat people like you would want to be treated

You have made me proud and I hope I have made you proud too!  I want you to know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers EVERY single day, but I won't worry, because although you are a King, another King has promised in his word to watch over you.

Love you today & always,

Mom