Letter To My Son

Son,

      First of all, I want to say how proud I was tonight watching you play ball. You have come such a long way, and now all of your effort is paying off. There is nothing I love more than watching you out there with your friends having so much fun and being a part of something bigger.
      After the game, during your little brother's game, I also loved watching you play on an empty field with a big group of boys. I couldn't help but notice how fast you are growing up. I love watching you interact with friends, the kids you will go through school with, your learning years.
     But, as I watch you out there, so big and independent, I can't help but worry about the times that I won't be just one ball field away, able to keep my eye on you. Tonight, I knew the kids you were playing with. They are all good kids. And I was right there within shouting distance. But see, it's not always going to be that way. And that is scary for a mom.
     So there are some things I really want, need, to say to you. Please bear with me.
     First of all, I hope I have taught you that it's good to be quirky, popularity doesn't mean squat, and, oh, those name brands? Who cares.
     Also, I want to tell you this. At some point in your life, a couple of years from now, or maybe tomorrow, there is going to be some kid, or a group of kids--maybe even a big group of kids (yikes)--who are going to try to talk you into doing something that you know is wrong. Maybe I've told you it's wrong, maybe you have learned at school or church that it's wrong, or maybe you just have a weird feeling in your stomach that makes you think it's wrong.
     Anyway, this kid or these kids that are trying to talk you into doing something bad. Well, they know deep down that they are making the wrong choice. They think that by talking you into making the wrong choice, it makes what they are doing less wrong.
     But that is not how it works at all.
     Just like in baseball, this is when you have to step up to the plate. This is when you have to be a leader, a good example, a man.
     This is make it or break it time. Do you hear me? Make it or break it.
     This is when you have two choices. You either show you are a strong leader who stands up for what is right, or you show you are a weak follower, scared to stand up for what you believe in.
     See, I already know what you are. I know you are a leader. And I know when the time comes, when another boy, or a group of boys, or even a girl is trying to talk you into doing something you know is wrong, I know you will have the strength to do what is right.
     I'm your mom, and I know.
     Sure, when you take your stand, the others might make fun of you. But, get this, do you know why they are making fun of you?
     Son, they are making fun of you because you just showed major courage--I'm talking like superhero courage, and it just freaked--them--out!
     You just showed them you are stronger than them. How awesome is that?
     And you know what? Maybe, just maybe, by taking a stand, there is some other kid who was about to make the wrong choice, who will now make the right choice...all because of you and your strength.
     Doing the right thing is sometimes hard...sometimes it's really hard.
     But as your mom, I can promise you--absolutely promise you one thing.
     When you stand up to those kids, three VERY big things will happen.
     First, you will show integrity, good character, and some major kick-butt courage. (Kick-butt isn't the greatest word in the world, but for this kind of courage there is simply no other word for it).
     Second, you will make God happy, your family proud, and show some big-time respect for yourself.
     And lastly, even though they might not say it, deep down those guys you stood up to think you're a rock star.
     These things I can promise you.
     And even though you will always be my baby and I love you more than anything in the world, I am not always going to be able to protect you. I'm not always going to be just one field over.
     Please just try to remember what I've just said, and tuck it away in that beautiful mind of yours. You never know when you will have to use it.
     Just remember that when the moment arises, follow your gut and do what is right, and everything will be okay. I promise.

     I love you,
     Mom