Happy Birthday, Zane!

Dear Zane,

I cannot believe that you are 11 years old today! These eleven years have flown by for me. I guess time really does fly when you are having fun. 

I want to start by telling you how proud I am to be your mom. You are everything that I ever dreamed of in a son! You are full of life, you are a unique thinker, and you love with your whole heart. No one will ever have to wonder what you are feeling. You are brave enough to put everything out there in the world. I love the way you care so much about everyone. You value your friends and family and that is a priceless thing. Your mind also is amazing. I am often astounded that one little brain can think so many things. You are perfect to me and you always will be. 

I also wanted to thank you for what you have done for me. Eleven years ago you changed my whole life, you even changed who I am! You are the one who took plain old Serina and made her into Mama. That is without a doubt the very best thing that has ever happened to me.  When I became your mom, I became a better person. I became stronger, I fought harder, I got inspired. I used to be afraid to talk to people I didn't know. Can you imagine that? I took chances after you were born because I wanted your life to be better. Those chances led to my career. I went back to school after I became a mom because as your mother, I want you to know to never give up. You opened my heart in a way that you may never understand because your heart had always been wide open to everyone. I am forever in debt to you for these things. Becoming a mom eleven years ago reshaped my whole world and I am so thankful to you for that.

I love you so much, Money. So much. I hope that you have a terrific birthday. 

Love, 

Mama