It’s the night before your 16th birthday.

At this time 16 years ago I was at the hospital waiting for your arrival.

I was as prepared as any 19 year old could be.

I had purchased the car seat, the stroller too. Clothes were washed and ready. Crib set up.

I had read all the books… quite possibly litterally all the books. Stacks and stacks of books.

I made a promise to you that weekend. I can still vividly picture the room like a scene from a movie.

I was rocking you in that chair , and I promised that while I had no clue how….I was always going to take care of you no matter what.

16 years later I pray I’ve made good on my promise.

A lot has happened between then and now.

Moves, sickness and health, good days and bad. Siblings and pets. Loses and gains.

For every right move I’ve made I’ve made wrong ones too. I have always hoped that I made the good far put weigh the bad.

Navigating life as a young mom was difficult at times but the privilege of a lifetime. I didn’t miss out on my life, I gained a longer life with you.

While I was watching you grow up, you were watching me grow up too. I was buying diapers before I could buy a beer.

I hope if you ever decide to look back and reflect on your life, that while I may have stumbled and messed up at times, I loved you all the way through this journey of ours and I wouldn’t have my life any other way.

Happy 16th birthday my dear child. You are loved more than you will ever know.