To my curious and independent monkeys…E&T…
There is something about watching both of you grow up that brings both smiles and tears to my eyes…it is a magical world to get wrapped in trying to navigate what goes through your mind and watch you as you learn, grow and explore.
With fearless energy you each wake up (albeit one of you is more of a morning person than the other) and embrace the day…the way both of you embrace meeting a stranger. Or learn a new toy faster than I can put it together. And your ability to go head first down a slide or off a ledge always makes my heart jump a bit.
Your independence makes me proud. There is nothing either of can’t do and I hope you both always remember to uphold that and never lose that spark.
The giggles and silly nature you each have reminds me of the simple and that we take ourselves much too seriously.
Your wit and smartness keep me on my toes. It is amazing to understand what you each pick up, watch, model yourselves after and make into your very own…I am still not certain how either of you come up with half the things that come out of your mouth or how you know about certain things…never stop learning and absorbing it all.
The kindness and love you both show cripples me at times. To watch you both care for each other, say you are sorry, have the empathy you do, and know when to take care of those around you…it makes me proud. Never lose the ability to share love with those that share it back with you…and those that don’t…share it anyway, you never know what type of mark on their life you might make.
Your confidence you both have and show in what you wear to how you want your food served to the way you don’t apologize when you simply need a few moments to breathe…never lose that. Keep building it and surrounding yourselves with people that recognize how AMAZING you are.
Each of you thirst for adventure…whether it is traveling near or far that you have already accomplished…learn a new activity…trying new foods…learning from your books. Your adventurous spirit will never fail you and will take you to places you will create memories from, allow you to meet people that will become part of your world, and learn about cultures that you would have never realized…without stepping out of your comfort zone.
The way you both embrace change (knowingly or not) and show grace (knowingly or not) I am grateful, thankful and blessed for. There’s nothing about our path that was planned…there’s nothing about it that has ever been written before…and yet we learn how to work everyday on embracing it so that we are all cared for in the best way we need to be to become the strongest and most amazing versions of ourselves.
What you teach me everyday does not go unrecognized. It is woven into all I do. One of the greatest gifts both of you have given me is unconditional love. Your love allows me to want to be better. Your love makes me love my imperfections not as faults but that make me my strong, beautiful self. Your love pushes me to follow my heart even when it is difficult. Your love reminds me to laugh at myself. Your love gives me calm when the waters seem unbearable. Your love is there, even when it is hard, even when we don’t have all the answers, your love is there. No questions…and for that…I am beyond grateful for you both.
Everett. My brave, strong son….
Theodore. The gift from God I didn’t expect.
You are each unique, handsome and amazing humans…I love how each of your personalities continue to shine through more and more everyday. And while you are each unique, remember that as E&T you are a powerhouse team, have a brotherhood many never have the opportunity to get, and should you choose, are each others’ best of friends from now until the end of time.
I wish you all the balloons, trucks, cake, laughter, adventure and most important of all…unconditional love. Today, tomorrow, always. You each deserve that…I am so proud of you both…HBD boys.
love you…
~Mama~
