Dear Son, Dear Me
A reflection tradition I’m starting the night before my child’s birthday to honor the light in him—and the light he's brought out in me.
It is the eve before my son’s 2nd birthday, and as I sit next to his bed and stare at his growing body in awe, I realize he will never be this age again.
Motherhood has a funny way of holding both wonder and ache.
This moment inspired me to write a letter to my son that also speaks to my own heart—and to the hearts of mothers everywhere. This will be my yearly reflective tradition. This one entitled, Year 1 of Wonder.
First let’s have a heart to heart on what another year in your child’s life represents, because it is so much more than just turning another year older—it marks:
💫 A celebration of life and growth
Two years ago, you brought a soul into the world—his second birthday is a beautiful reminder of the miracle of life and how far he’s come since that first breath.
Every step he takes, every word he says, every hug he gives is evidence of the life you’ve nurtured with love and sacrifice.
🧩 A reflection of your own journey
His birthday also honors your journey as a mother. You’ve grown in strength, patience, and depth of love in ways you never imagined possible.
It’s a checkpoint, showing how much you both have evolved together over these two years.
🌱 A sacred reminder of purpose
His presence is a sign of your divine purpose—he’s not just your child; he’s a calling, a teacher, a light.
Watching him grow reminds you of your responsibility not just to protect him, but to shape the environment where he becomes who God made him to be.
🕊️ A symbol of divine timing
Every birthday is a reminder that God’s timing is perfect. Your son was born when he was meant to be, to the mother he was meant to have—you.
Tonight, I watch you sleep with your little body curled into the same breath I once carried beneath my heart. Tomorrow, you’ll be two. A new number. A new chapter. But tonight, I just want to stay here in the quiet and soak in every piece of who you are at this sweet age.
You are still filled with that baby-soft sweetness, but I see the toddler stretching out of you—bold, funny, curious, brave. Your words are coming faster now. Your steps are confident. Your world is bigger. You’re still my baby, but you're also becoming.
And so am I.
Because when you turned one, I was born into a new version of myself too. A woman who has learned to love more deeply, give more freely, and slow down in ways I never did before. A woman who has stretched her arms wide to hold both joy and exhaustion in the same breath. A mother who knows now that time doesn’t wait, and that love means letting go a little more each day.
So tonight, I write this letter—to you and to me.
To you, my son: Thank you for choosing me. You’ve given my days meaning, my soul softness, and my heart something to anchor to when the world feels too loud.
To me, your mother: You’ve done well. You’ve given, grown, forgiven, and shown up again and again. You’re allowed to be proud. You’re allowed to rest. And you’re allowed to feel the ache of time passing—because that ache means it all matters.
This is the ritual I’ll begin each year—writing a letter on the night before your birthday. A way to remember who you are before the candles blow out. It will be the way I honor who I’ve become through loving you.
I know these days are numbered, that’s why I gift you my full presence.
Because of you, I have let it all go, and I have found everything.
This love is eternal.
Happy almost two, my little wonder.
Love,
Mommy
Let me know how you celebrate your children’s birthday and honor yourself by leaving a comment!