Dear Teenager Reid,
This is being written one week before your four month birthday. And, it is written in love. Loving you is the best thing I can do. It is impossible for me to imagine you as a teenager, but you’ll be there soon. I know that the love I feel for you now will not fade or change over my lifetime. You have captured my heart, and that is where you will remain.
As a high school teacher, I spend a majority of my weekdays with teenagers. Well, I'm pretty fortunate to do what I do. For the most part, I get along pretty well with these teenagers. Because of this, I am hopeful that when you are older that we'll be close. I think other adults who don't interact regularly with teens are scared of them. They don't know what to expect or how to treat them. It's like they fear the gap in age will remind them how much older they really are.
When you are a teenager, I hope you still see me as a person, and still love me as your mom.
I see so many teens struggle in their relationship with their parents ...
I hear about parents who are too overprotective and constantly accuse their child, and always assume the worst. I hear about parents who put up a wall between the child and themselves, almost as if wishing for the teen years to pass quickly. I hear about parents who just don't seem to care. They just distance themselves, or act naive to the realities. I hear about parents who are blind to the hurt or pain their child is going through. Parents who just smile, say “it's a phase”, and look the other way.
Well, Reid, I'm not perfect. And I won't be by the time you are a teenager. But, I promise, I'll always love you. I will be there for you, even when you don't want me to be. Remember I'm a person too. I've felt pain, and I've felt joy, and helping you cope or celebrate is my duty and delight as a parent. Sharing in your life is so important to me.
Being a teenager is tough. I'm here. Allow me to be part of your life.
I love you,
Mom
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