#dear son

I want you to know that there will be some things that you are really good at, and some things that you are not. This is part of life, excelling and failing, and both of those things are perfectly normal. I want you to know that there are people who will see you for your success, and some who see you for your mistakes. There will be people who will always see your potential, effort and achievements. And there will be people who see your flaws, failings and faults. They will do all they can to correct you, shame you, and break you. To them, you will only be a constant disappointment. They will see you as someone who needs to be fixed, and they will try to change you. But they will not be concerned with your self improvement, they will only care about how you can improve for them.

I want to warn you about these people my son, because they will be everywhere, and they will disguise themselves as friends and lovers. They may even be within your family. I don't ask that you hide yourself from these people; to do so would mean hiding from the world at large. I only encourage you to deny them a seat at the table of your heart and mind. Do not give them a voice in your life, or power over your view of self worth. This will be especially difficult, since we all desire to be liked. Still, I know you will be able to discern their siren's cry and know the danger of their opinions of you. I know you will find a strength when confronted by their lies.

My son, you will fail at plenty of things, but that will never define you. Keep your eyes fixed on your victories. May you always find pride in the wins and losses that make up your spectacular self.

I love you always,

I'm sorry about me and your mother

It breaks my heart that I couldn't love her

I don't know how it happened

But she felt abandoned

And I felt smothered

Dear Son,

You're my Sun. My bloom.

Through your birth, you gave me rays.

With your breath, you rejuvenate my days.

You're my light, my sight;

out of an empty gloom, you brought me.

You're my healing point.

My song of thanks.

A hope for which I live,

even when all seems too bleak.

You're the healer of my wounded soul.

The answer to my longing loneliness.

Your strength is mesmerising.

And so are you in all your rising.

You're a fearless gift;

one who seeks to find tasks to complete.

You're handsome and relevant.

You're gracious and intelligent.

You seek laughter even in tears.

A strength of a lion, you're fierce.

You're a protector without spears.

Your soul is valuable, indeed.

Your soul is a gift to me.

I would have chosen to have you,

even with nothing on my name.

I would have chosen you; always, and exactly the same.