Boys,
I realize that it will be years later until you will read this, and fully understand the immensity of my love for you. I know that now, you are both just babies, nestled snugly in your beds, unknowing that my every breath is centered on raising you to be gentlemen. My world took on a whole new meaning, since you both came along. Thank you, for coming into my life and saving me in every single possible way. Loving you boys, has brought me such joy, laughter, absolute and total happiness.
My wish for you both is to grow up, loving your lives, your family, and above all, each other. The greatest gift that I could ever give to you both is the bond of having a brother. Please, cherish that. Protect each other, grow together, experience the world with one another.There is no one else in this entire world that is as close to you as you are to each other. There will be a day that will come, that your Father and I both will be gone, and all you will have left is your brotherhood. I can leave this world peacefully, knowing that no matter what, my boys will always stick together.
When those teenage years come, I encourage you to think for yourselves, make your own decisions, and go a part from the crowd. If you must rebel against me, please, do so with dignity. Rebel against something worthwhile, that you believe in, not just my rules, your curfew, or your allowance. If you MUST bring home girls, make sure you bring home NICE ones. Preferably, with nice families, a good head on their shoulders, and someone who loves you for who are inside. I will send home and embarrass anyone who I deem unworthy of your love and affection, and trust me, I am a good judge of character. (Most of the time.)
When you both go away to school, please take lots of pictures and share them with me. Call me every day, and tell me how your studies are going, and how much you love college life. Drink keg beer, and stay out too late, chasing girls. Experience life as a young person, and live freely without fear of restrictions and rules. That is what being in your 20's is all about, even though, I only made it to 21, and then came you guys. Fall in love with the world, outside of our small town, and savor every moment you have to be wild and free, it won't last forever.
When the time comes for you to be an adult, enter the real world, and get a job, I hope you choose a career you love, and one that you do good at. I hope you guys reach up and out to help anyone you can, and become good men, like your Dad. I hope you become successful within your own terms, and never let what society views as success, shape your goals. I encourage you both to follow whatever path you think is right for you, whether it be moving to Morocco to live for a year, or becoming an attorney. Life is best when you're happy. Believe me.
If you MUST get married, and leave me forever, choose someone who makes you a better person. I pray you find someone that matches you both in spirit, ambition, kindness, and generosity. Love her, and appreciate her. Open her car door, leave her love letters, take care of her, and always remember that family comes first. I raised you to be someone your future children can look up to. Speaking of, when you give me grandchildren, please share them unselfishly with us. Let us keep them, spoil them, and love them as we do you boys, and also, as your grandparents do you, right now....
Last....... when I'm old and gray and you have your own families, lives and happiness, don't forget me. Remember all the times I was up late, changing your diapers, laughing with you over Dr. Seuss, and loving you completely. Never stop coming to see me, or asking my advice, keeping me up on the latest. Always remember, I am your Mom, and you are my babies. Always.
Above all, live your lives and take your places where you choose. Make smart choices, remain true to yourselves, and simply, be good, kind people. The world needs more of those.
Make me proud, I love you, I love you, I love you.
-Mom.
