Yesterday our boy turned 13. While he was at school, I went to the bank to open a savings account for him. The goal is for him to take the initiative to save some money and keep track of it for the next few years. As I sat at the bank, I thought about how these last thirteen years have flown by, and how much living we have put into them. He has made this period of time the most special for all of us. His strong personality, his ability to forgive easily, his curiosity about the world and people and, most of all, his sense of humor.
I am honored to be your mom, boy. You have your own way to do things, and sometimes they do not agree with mine or your dad's. Maybe that is the main lesson to be learn in parenting: that children are not a carbon copy of their parents, and despite all differences we love them completely. It is not easy to remember how much we probably drove our parents nuts when we were teenagers, but one thing I remember without a doubt -- I was not as fun-loving and happy as you are!
Happy Birthday, son! We love you! Now... go clean your room and do your homework!!