Dear Son

Dear Son,

You are 19, you know it all.  You are loud and messy.  You reminded me of my dad, your Pepa, whom I know you would have been close when you pranked me hiding my phone and hugging me so tight it hurt while laughing with a laugh that is only yours.  Man you love a good joke.

You have changed course, you plan to join the Army full time. Even,  with all that is going on in the world, I know this is the best thing.  This is your calling.  You are a protector.  You stand up for others.  You love your country.

I cringe at your vocabulary at times, but you will come into your own.  I pray for you as I am trying not to take a skillet and whack you one. When you become a dad , don't be like your mom and yell, love and guide them tenderly.  Be the dad you wanted.  Be there for them.  Money doesn't matter.  Time does.  You know that.  I wouldn't change all the fun times you, me and your sister had on Saturday and nights in our room at Mema's telling stories, watching TV and just talking.  I am so glad we had those times.  I firmly believe those times have made you sensitive to women and intolerant of those who do not take care of families.

Dear Son - I love you.  You are not a baby - you are growing in to a man.  I am so proud.