A Mother's Day Letter To My Sons

Dear boys --

Today is my first official Mother's Day as a single mom. As Mother's Days goes it was no different than any other in the past. I made dinner, cleaned up from dinner, did laundry and cleaned bathrooms. I'm not complaining, really I'm not. I'm grateful I get the privilege of being your mom and there is no way I'd ever walk away from being your parent. I love you too much to ever leave you.

As teen boys go, you were pretty cool today. You willingly hugged me, surprised me with gifts and sent me Happy Mothers Day text messages.

But I want to tell you something. Please don't roll your eyes at me. Trust me, you will appreciate this advice in the future. There are a few things you should remember when one day - a long time from now - you have a wife and mother of your children.

• Never, I repeat never, say to your wife "You aren't my mother, I don't have to buy you a present." That's just offensive and disrespectful. It's not funny. 
• Say thank you on other days besides Mothers Day. If your wife is fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom, she doesn't have it easy. She spends her entire day taking care of everyone else at the expense of her own self.  
• Don't volunteer your wife to babysit other peoples kids. If she wants to take on that additional responsibility she will offer. 
• Speaking of babysitting, please don't think you are doing your wife a favor by babysitting your own children. No, it's not babysitting. It's called raising your children and being an active, involved parent. It is what I expect of you and what she needs of you.
• It's not about a big present. A hand written note from your heart is all it takes.
• Your children will mimic you. If you treat your wife with respect and love, your children will too.
• When things get difficult between you two, and they will, step back and look what you've created. The minute that baby is born it is no longer about just you two. You have created something bigger. 
• Your wife may not always be your wife, but she will always be the mother of your children. 

Remember the love and care you have shown to me this past year, and you are going to be a great husband and father one day.