I hope you become more of yourself with every passing year. I love you so.


21



Help him write a letter to someone in power if he has a question or concern about something he sees going on in the world.


7-11



Build a treehouse together


8



Stage one relationship: first few dates. Stage two, you really like them. Stage three, you love them and are exclusive. Stage four: you commit to building a future together. You’re going to have many stage one and two relationships. Probably a few stage three, and if you’re lucky you’ll have one or two stage fours.


14, 17, 21



Learn to recover from life’s stresses intentionally and thoughtfully. Practice listening for what your body needs in that moment. And then go get it.


10, 13, 17, 21



Give him a copy of The Secret Lives of Great Composers by Elizabeth Lunday.


14



Don’t feed the thing you’re fighting.


13, 17, 21



You can’t ask someone to change who they are before you live or accept them.


12, 15, 21



Give your all on the job, from your first day to your last day there. If you’re all caught up on your work help someone else with theirs.


17, 21



Look into Space Camp for next year


8



Purchase book "All Are Welcome" by Alexandra Penfold to prep him for kindergarten.


5



Sex isn’t something you “score.” It’s not a competition. Whether the encounter is casual or within a committed relationship it’s something that is shared.


16, 19, 20



Little trick for acne treatment: dandruff shampoo. Wash your face with Head and Shoulders and watch your skin clear up.


13-17



I really want to see Totfino, BC. There’s no one I’d rather see it with than you. xoxo


20



Dress to people will listen to you, not look at you. (This is especially true at school and work.)


15, 18, 21



1

Don’t stay down too long.


16, 19, 21



Read The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig.


4



Learn about current trends in social media. Figure out where you draw boundaries, what platforms are allowed and not. Teach them how to stay safe, be positive and kind and always respectful.


9



Read poem “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver. (“...You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves...”)


17



Look into summer jobs at national parks.


15, 17



If you ever borrow someone’s car, return it with a full tank of gas.


20



Awesome game we did at preschool - play I SPY. Try with objects or emotions, such as "I spy something sad" or "I spy something joyful." To help him learn empathy.


3-5



Introduction to 70’s Southern Rock. Skynyrd, Allman Bros, etc.


14



Ask him to memorize and recite William Ernest Henley poem “Invictus” as a Christmas present for me.


15



Honestly I think all religions are at least fifty percent bull pucky and none of them come close to reflecting the loving nature of God, which is broader and deeper than our little brains can grasp. So pick your poison. Whatever religion feels like home, like a place that can provide context for you to explore the goodness and beauty at the heart of the universe…that’s the religion for you. And if no religion fits the bill, that’s fine too. Either way, always remember and keep coming back to the knowledge that you are so very loved.


16, 21



Your good name is the most important credential you’ll ever have. Act with integrity in all things, that ben if it means short-term pain. Build a reputation for honesty, dependability and trustworthiness.


14, 17, 20



It's natural to avoid change. Try to learn to accept change, embrace it if you can! Change is good. :)


15



Venting is crucial but not always appropriate. Make sure you’re in the right place (no chance whatsoever of being overheard), the right time (take care of business first) and that the person you’re unloading on has the mental bandwidth to listen to you vent your emotions. Avoid interrupting if they’re busy, or not in a good headspace. You’ll know this because you asked.


14, 17, 21



“Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good.”


10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21