Birthday Card to My Adult Son

Dear Brandon,

1 day and 18 years ago, I was sitting first chair violin at my high school Christmas concert. I was pregnant and due in 3 weeks. During the Hallelujah Chorus, I began to feel contractions. On the way home from the concert, they started coming every 10 minutes. My doctor told me to go to the hospital just in case. 12 hours later, my life would be changed forever.  That was the moment I met you in person for the first time.

You were a perfect little person.

 Time went on and I watched you grow and learn. I heard you laugh and learn to talk. Everyone you met fell in love with you. You were kind and considerate. Once when you were 7 years old, you gave all the change in your pocket to the Salvation Army. You were so proud of yourself and I was so proud of you too!

You were a perfect little person.

Time went on and I watched you grow and learn. You were so funny! You always had a smile on your face. You were always so silly and so full of energy. Your laugh was contagious. Once when you were 9 years old, I married the man you call your dad. We asked you if you wanted to change your last name to Hodge. You thought about it and asked, “can I change my name to Rex Hodge?” After we finished laughing, we decided you probably weren’t old enough to make that decision. Then, 2 years later on Valentines day, you asked Wayne & me if you could change your name to Brandon Hodge. What a wonderful Valentines day gift for us!

You were such a perfect little person.

Time went on and I watched you grow and learn. You became a big brother to 2 bratty little sisters. They were constantly picking on you and pushing your grouchy button. You were constantly asking them to leave you alone, stay out of your room, and don’t touch your stuff. One time when you were 15 years old, your littlest sister wanted to play with your Nintendo DS. This was strictly off limits, of course. However, you have a large heart and love your sisters dearly. When you thought no one was looking, you walked into the living room and handed it to her. It was hers to play with. You made her so happy and you made me so proud.

You were such a perfect person.


  
Time went on and I watched you grow and learn. You grew into the most amazing teenager. You never questioned us when you were told you had chores to do. You never missed a curfew. You were never in a place where you shouldn’t be. You spent every Wednesday night at a church youth group. You were still funny, caring, and considerate. Once when you were 17 years old, you volunteered at Vacation Bible School at your Alma Mater: St. Teresa. After the week was over, the teen leaders were to go to church on Sunday and sing the song they had taught to the young children in front of the whole congregation. You were the only teen leader who went to church that Sunday. You made a commitment, and you saw it through. I was so proud of you.

You were such a perfect person.

Over the years, we grew and learned together. For the last 18 years you have been my motivation to be a better person. You have been a source of inspiration to me. I could not have asked for a more perfect child. Our lives have not always been perfect. There were times when life was difficult. Through it all we had each other. I watched you blossom into an amazing man. I am proud to be your mother.

You are, without a doubt, quite a perfect person.



Happy Birthday to my little man!

With love, forever & ever,
~Mom