Dear Jonathon and Jacob,
I know you’re adults who are out on your own now. I love to see it and witness the steps you’re taking to be successful and make your dreams come true.
When people said to me years ago you never stop worrying as a parent, even when your children are grown, I didn’t quite understand. Now … oh, do I get it. Thank goodness I have my faith in God, and I can remember that He loves you even more than I do. That knowledge, along with a prayer, defeats worry every time.
Fortunately, I have a good memory. I remember those times in my early 20s when I could barely pay the bills. And I know the current obstacles don’t make it any easier (I must remind myself not to clutch my chest when I see what houses sell for these days).
But I learned so much at your age, and you will, too. I’m glad you still reach out to me with questions about insurance, banking, budgeting, etc. While I’m not perfect, I know what to do in both good and lean financial times.
I promise I’ll always be here to encourage and guide you. I’ll work to not bug or smother you. It’s hard to watch you make mistakes, but I know that’s how you grow. Mistakes are great teachers.
While I want you to be independent, one thing you’ll always have to do is text us when you get home after any trip that is 30 minutes or longer. Especially in the wintertime. I don’t care how old you get … we’ll still make this request.
Your grandparents did the same thing to your father and me. Well, it was more like a phone call decades ago. And my mom never did get the hang of a cell phone before she died.
Even before your paternal grandfather passed away a few years ago, he would always ask your father to text him when we got home to Noblesville after we visited him in Illinois.
I appreciate you not rolling your eyes when we ask you to do this. And if time passes, I don’t get a text, and I nudge you to see if you made it safely, please know I’m not angry. I used to forget on occasion to call my mom and dad after a trip. I will never reach out to make you feel guilty. I’m glad we have the technology these days where I can easily send a message.
Sometimes you have to text me when I’m already in bed. That’s okay. I’ll still check my phone during my middle of the night bathroom trip. It always makes me smile to see you are safe and sound.
Thanks for being such wonderful sons. You’re smart, kind, funny, and a joy to be around. I can’t wait to see how you help make the world a better place.
All my love,
Mom
Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.