Table of Contents
Writing Letters, A Birthday Tradition
Each year, I write my kids a Happy Birthday Letter. It started with my oldest Olivia when she was just 1 week old. I found myself receiving some really bad bedside manners from an ER doctor who left me feeling like I was going to die sooner than later and there was nothing I could do to prolong the inevitable. That doctor sprinted away and left me lost in a whirlwind of milestones I would never get to see as a new mom of a beautiful daughter. Not knowing what exactly to do with the news, I began to write. I wanted my baby girl to know that I didn’t plan to leave her and I loved her – even long after I was gone. It took some time before the doctors proved the initial dioagnosis was wrong but thankfully God answers prayer.
A Celebration Of Motherhood
I kept the letters because I thought it would be nice for my oldest to read someday. They were beautiful memories of a milestone in our life. They celebrated my first born just as much as they celebrated my motherhood journey. Writing letters came naturally to me – more naturally than recording every milestone in a book. So, every year on the eve of my kids’ birthday I reflect on the previous year and anticipate the new year. Then I sit and write a letter with all my thoughts, feelings and wishes.
What To Do With The Letters?
Motherhood
Motherhood in general is quite the adventure – jammed packed with oxymorons that totally make sense once you become a mom. It is filled with heartache and joy. It will break you and build you up. Motherhood will leave you feeling like you can’t no more and like you can go on forever. You will find yourself wanting to speed up time and then wishing it would just slow the heck down. The days feel long but the years roll by is such an understament in motherhood. It feels mundane yet different. Lastly, it will make you scream but it will also make you smile. This is motherhood a ball of contradiction and yet I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Motherhood With a Son
Motherhood is great with a daughter but when you add a boy to the mix it is a different playing field. It is as if someone pulled the gameboard right from under you and added some action heros to the mix. I went from dolls and tea parties to superheroes and villains. Playing dressup to playing floors of lava. It is complete night and day and it has been a blessing to have it both ways.
So, in honor of the birthday boy and 5 wonderful years as a boy mom, I wanted to share my letter and then help you write yours.
Dear Grayson
Today there are 5 candles on your birthday cake. You are officially a big boy. I wish you could celebrate with friends but that doesn’t begin till kindergarten. Since you are a January baby you are still in preschool. There’s no birthday list like there is in kindergarten. We’ll do something next year, but today – I want celebrate you!
Balloons of Affirmations (Just Some Things I Love About You)
I love the way you adore me, and see beyond my flaws. You show me love daily and soften me from the hard lessons of life. I love your random hugs. Your perfect timing when you tell me that you love me and that I’m the best mom in the whole world. How did I end up with such an awesome little boy? The way that you easily love and allow yourself to be loved, amazes me. Your ability to see possibility in any situation and desire to make others feel included is admirable. Your curiousity to explore the why and figure things out because everything is figureoutable. By the way, your compassion is pretty amazing too. You always think of others even when they aren’t around. I truly lucked out, because I definitely got the best son in the whole world.
Go Light Your World, With All Your Candles
Grayson, you show up every day in such an authentic way. Each year you gain an extra candle – you shine brighter. Every time you include the new kid in the class to play. When you play with the girls even though the boys say you shouldn’t. Or when you hug your teachers rather than just saying hi or bye – because hugs are so much better. When you forgive the kid that wronged you even though he didn’t really apologize. The way you extend forgiveness so freely is truly a strength and not a weakness. The world may tell you otherwise but trust me, it takes more strength to go against the grain and forgive. Especially when the innate human response is to be angry and hold a grudge. Grayson, you are an every growing shinning light – Go light your world!
Happy Birthday Wishes
I hope you always know and remember that you are loved. In case I don’t tell you enough and in case you find yourself wondering – yes, mommy loves you. There’s nothing you can do to change that.
I hope you know that I will always be your biggest advocate and cheerleader. That you can come to me and talk to me, openly. Grayson, I will always be there for you. My arms will always be ready to welcome you, with the biggest hug, only the best mom in the world could give.
I hope you know that you, just the way you are – you are enough! You were born enough and you are worthy. Those two things don’t dissipate with a mistake or go up with a good deed. They are fixed attributes that the world cannot take away from you.
Sprinkles of Wisdom
Always be kind. Throw kindness around like confetti.
Be true to who you are. The world needs the real you.
Don’t be afraid to do the right thing even if it isn’t the popular thing.
Don’t be afraid to stand up for what is right.
Always be inclusive and play with everyone no matter their gender or race.
Remember that sometimes the best thing you can do in a situation is walk away.
Always be the little boy that never let rain stop you – you just got a rain jacket and danced in it. That is a gift that many adults still struggle to find so treasure it.
Don’t forget to always be grateful. There is happiness when we have a grateful heart.
If you mess up, apologize. And if you are wronged then forgive quickly. Anger only hurts the one who carries it.
…And Many More
People always wish you happy birthday and many more. I wish you many more too. I know I always tell you to stop growing and stay little but I also can’t wait to see you grow up. I know it’s a contradiction but I think motherhood is a journey of contradictions. I know in my heart that you will do great and amazing things. I am so blessed God chose me to get a front row seat.
Thank you for adding superheroes and villains into my world. And thank you for making me a boy mom. You are truly the best son in the world!
Love you to the moon and back!
With Love From Mum
~XO
Want Another Slice of Inspiration Cake?
I’m assumming that you are here because you are thinking about writing a Happy Birthday Letter of your own and are looking for inspiration. I hope that this letter inspired you because they really are worth doing, giving and receiving. If you liked this letter but still looking for inspiration to write your own letter check out other letters I’ve written to my kids:
- A Letter To My Son On His 6th Birthday
- To My Last Born on Her First Birthday
- A Letter To My Daughter on Her 2nd Birthday
- To My First Born on Her Second Birthday
- To My Tween Daughter on Her 12th Birthday
Don’t Forget Your Party Favor – Get the Free How To Write Letters to Your Child Printable here:
What’s a birthday celebration without a party favor. I created a Freebie to help you write your very own letter to your child. This printable will help you brainstorm all the important parts of writing a letter to a loved one. Whether it is for a Birthday or special occassion my mini-workbook is sure to help. I provide the inspo you and provide the heart – it’s that simple.
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