Birthday Wishes for Son

Twenty-one, son. The state has officially decided you're a full adult. I have more information on this subject than the state does, but I'll let them have this one. Go celebrate. Stay hydrated. Make good decisions , or at minimum, moderately defensible ones. We love you. Happy 21st.

Happy birthday, son. You've made me laugh, made me gray, and made me proud, often in that order and sometimes simultaneously. I wouldn't change a thing.

Happy birthday, son. Every single one of my worst habits skipped you. Every single one of my good ones apparently did too. I have no idea who you are or where you came from. That's a compliment.

Happy birthday, my boy. Take up space in this world. Be loud where it counts. Be soft where it matters. Be honest with yourself when it's hard, and kind to yourself when it's harder. Whatever the world tries to teach you about your worth, remember the truth we started teaching you the day you arrived: you are already, fully, exactly enough. We're behind you, always. Happy birthday, son.

Happy birthday, son. You have tested every parenting strategy I had, invented six I hadn't heard of, and somehow ended up exactly right. I don't get it. Happy birthday.

Happy birthday, son. I have given a lot of advice in your direction over the years. I've noticed you using most of it about two years after I said it. The pipeline works. Keep going.

Eighteen, son. The world opens up today , and you are ready in ways you don't fully see yet. Be brave. Be honest. Be patient with yourself the way we've tried to be patient with you. We are so proud. Whatever you choose from here, we are behind you, always. Happy 18th.

Happy birthday, son. Long before you arrived, some part of my heart was already shaped like the space you came to fill. You belong here. You always did.

Happy birthday, son. You are my best mistake, my happiest accident, and the greatest argument for trusting the process. Happy birthday.