Happy 16th Dominic!!!

Dear Dominic,

The day has finally come! You are 16! Can you believe it? 16. Years. Old. I thought this day would never come; and yet the time has gone so quickly. It's crazy how time works. It feels like only days ago when I first looked into those gorgeous brown eyes of yours and fell in love for the very first time. I had never known love like I did the day you were born. Time stood still as I watched you sleep. You have grown so much. I have grown. Our family has grown and my love for you has grown.
Time has changed a lot for you and I. It's crazy to think about the amazing family we have now and remember that it started with us. You and me.

I know this all sounds so corny, especially when most of the time you are hearing me say things like, "Don't talk to me that way!" or "No, you can't drive right now...because I said so."

Inside I am really saying, "How can this tiny baby boy of mine be old enough to have thoughts and ideas of his own?" "Please, Please, stop the hands of time. I only have 2 years until you go off to college and things will never be the same again."

I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of you. And though I am quick to point out some criticism to your face, I am even quicker to brag about you to anyone who is willing to stop and listen for even a minute.

You are kind and loving...probably the kindest teenage boy I have ever met in my life! You are outgoing and willing to befriend those whom others will not. You are so strong in your faith and are willing to stand up against others in defense of that faith...something I am still learning to do.
It's true. What they say about kids teaching their parents many things. You teach me something nearly every day. I am inspired by your daily Bible readings and your dedication to your studies. I am inspired by you.

On the lighter side, you and I recently recorded many of your "Favorite's." This is what you had to say....

Color: Orange
Number: 3
Song: "Moves Like Jagger"
Music: "Not Rap."
Subject: French
Spare time: Watch movies.
Sit down restaurant: Bucca di Beppo
Fast Food: In N Out
Candy: Twix
Food: Goldfish and Sour Gummy Worms
Dessert: Lemon Bars or Chris's mom's chocolate cake
Board Game: Ticket to Ride
Video Game: Ages of Empire
Movie: The Secretariat
Book: Inheritance - Paolini

I would've asked you things like "Your Greatest Fear" and "Happiest Moment so Far" but you get all weird when I ask you questions like that and tell me that I'm getting to personal. Maybe someday...

You also love running, hanging out with your friends, and still spending time with your family extended family. You love all things government and as you have come to realize, you know way more about all that "stuff" than I do! When you graduate from high school in 2 very short years, you want to go across the country to Yale to study Law. After getting your Corporate Law degree and getting involved in the political community, you want to run for U.S. President in the 2035 election.
I have told you since the day you were born that the Lord has very special plans for you. I believe this even more today than I ever have.  I have also told you that you can accomplish ANYTHING you set your mind to. Your goals are set very high, but if anyone can go for it...it's you.

In 4 days you will be taking your Driver's Test. I wish I could express how exciting and how very scary this event is...for me. I am so excited for you, yet I am scared out of my mind that my young man will be out there on the road, beyond my control. Please always always be careful! And I will pray for you every time you get behind the wheel.

In conclusion to this letter, I want to give you a little motherly advice...Stay humble and always remember where you came from. Most of all, remember that everything you have, will have, and will accomplish is through the Grace of God. He will get you through all of the tough times ahead and will delight in the miracles of life that lie before you.

P.S. Remember that if you want to become the President of the United States, you gotta behave yourself now, otherwise it'll come back and bite you in the bum later on! Keep this in the back of your mind as you are faced with many decisions in the next few years....no pressure ;)

I love you Dominic and wish you the happiest birthday yet!

Love, Mom