Dear Jackson,
10 years and 1 day ago I was on my way to the hospital to be induced. Sitting in the passenger seat of the car, with your Daddy driving, I had a total meltdown. I simply wasn't ready to go into labor and was terrified of what was to come. I wasn't afraid of you - I was petrified thinking about labor. Your daddy wisely told me, "Too late now to be afraid!" He was right about that...it was too late to be afraid of labor. I ended up having a blessedly easy labor experience with you, and you were born at 9:18 in the morning after only 6 hours of labor.
From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I was in love. You were such a beautiful baby, and you've turned into such a handsome young man. You are standing between the gap of childhood and the teenager years right now, in that fun tween stage I've heard so much about. I'm not too worried about the years to come. You have a heart of gold, love Jesus and your family, and always try to do the right thing.
As you go through 5th grade, here are a few things I never want you to forget: Always remember to be a friend to everyone, especially those kids around you that don't have many friends. Be honest, even if telling the truth gets you in trouble. Have the courage to stand up for what you know is right. Be willing to speak up for yourself and those around you who don't have anyone else to stand up for them. Be honorable at all times. Treat all ladies and young women with respect. Remember that you and Anderson must always be a team, even if you drive each other crazy. One day your daddy and I will be nothing but a treasured memory, and you and Anderson must always remember to have each other's backs. Always.
Jackson, I am so proud to be your mother. You are a wonderful young man, and I can't wait to see how God uses you in the years to come. I'll always love you to the moon and back a million times.
Love,
Mom
