Dear Micah,
I feel like you have anxiously been awaiting this day for months now, but your dad and I have looked at it teary-eyed. You see, we all grew up together. The past 13 years, I have learned what it is like to lov
e someone so much it hurts. I have learned that parents don’t know everything, and we are trying our very best. I have learned that friends become family and help us parent you when we have our hands full. You are our motivation to “get it together” and to fight for a world where you will be loved and accepted.
Something changes when you turn 13. You are all of a sudden older, wiser and stronger than you were at 12. Remember, the world sees you different now too. You are seen as a teen who is bigger than some adults. You must carry yourself with love and respect everywhere you go.
As your mom, I have many hopes for you as you turn 13. I hope that you learn to laugh at yourself. You will do some silly things in the next chapters of your life but laughing with friends will get you through. I hope that you push yourself to complete your goals of college, basketball and life. You can do anything that you practice at. I hope that you surround yourself with friends that will build you up. When you have an issue, I want you to have your people surrounding you. Good friends are hard to find, but once you find them, be intentional about your relationships.
Know that your Dad and I are so proud of you. We are proud that you remind us daily that love is the ultimate language. You have a heart for loving and serving people that is so clear, even at such a young age, I see it. I appreciate that our relationship is growing with you. I know that I may not be the coolest mom ever but know that I love you big and would do anything for you.
I also have some promises to make you over your teenage years that I want you to hold me accountable to. I promise to make you do chores as always; you will one day have a house on your own and will need to do all of these things. I promise to push you to succeed because I know that you are capable of so much. I promise to allow you your space away from us (and your sister); I know that this is part of growing and needing time alone. I promise to allow you to try new adventures, to explore and to grow. I promise to hold you accountable to your dreams and to push you so that you never give up. Most of all, I promise to love you always. Remember, there is nothing you can do, say or be that will make me love you less. You are my son, and I am your biggest cheerleader and biggest fan. I love you forever, my baby you’ll be.
Love,
Mama 
