Dear Jakob

In about a day you will be eight years old. Eight years ago today, I was not a Mama yet – you gave me that gift. As much as I made you, you made me.

I love you dearly.  More than Sweedish berries and diet coke. More than dancing. More than love itself. 10,000 bushels and 3000 pecks.

You have always been honest and true. It truly is my honor to be your mother.  You have brought me more joy than anything else in my entire life.

You are a rare and beautiful person. And I fear the world is going to let you down, a lot. I am going to let you down. But I learned a long time ago that I am only really good at being myself, so I will be me, and you be you. I promise we will be okay.  I love you without condition.

At eight, you are a strong and balanced boy. A director, a leader, a lover of the stage.
Your charm will get you far. Your character farther.

I would not change a single thing about you. Not one.

You are an amazing brother to Benjamin and Tessa, I promise one day they will know this and stop driving you crazy.

I know that I forget stuff a lot. You bring lunches on pizza day and I take you to school on PD days. I travel a lot. With people, you get the good and the bad.

I know you have trouble being comfy in the here and now sometimes. You like to plan, to know what’s next. There are going to be people who tell you this is bad and to embrace the here and now. My only advice is not to fight too hard against your nature. Make a plan for later, then you will be happier now.

Love yourself.

Oh and one more thing, women are trouble….Just ask your father

And as one of our favourite stories says:
Congratulations!
 Today is your day. 
You’re off to Great Places!
 You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
 You have feet in your shoes.
 You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.

I love you Jakob. Thank you for being my son. Happy happy happy Birthday.

Love always, Mama