Dear Son: A Letter of a Lifetime

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I started writing to my first son following his birth, while he was in intensive care. At that time, every doctor we worked with was uncertain of his future. It was unclear if he would ever walk, talk, eat, or live a normal life. A few days after listening to a particularly hard prognosis from one of my son’s doctors, I bought a journal, which became a compilation of personal notes to him. I began writing to my son because I wanted him to know his story. I wanted him to know how we fought together for every precious step of his journey.

Initially, writing was as much of an encouragement for me as it was a gift for my son. Writing to and for him was a way for me to continue in hope. I didn’t know then if in the future he would have the mental comprehension to read or understand my words. The journal was a way for me to hope for his future. Every time I wrote to him, I prayed that one day he would not only read, but also value my words of love and encouragement.

To this day, I continue to journal for my son. My son is out of the critical health stage, but I still enjoy writing to his future self. Recently, when my second son was born, I decided to continue the tradition for him also.  Although his story, thus far, has been more typical, I desire for him to know that his story is also unique and special.

Once a month I sit down and write in each of their books. My goal is to continue to write monthly to each of them until they graduate from high school. I blog about my children and fill out baby books for them, but their journals contain more intimate and personal reflections specifically for them. In the journals I reflect on their individual likes, personalities, and milestones. I also include my specific prayers for them as their mother.  Most importantly, I try to encourage them as future men, husbands, and fathers. I plan on giving my boys their respective journals when they are ready to be independent men. I cannot wait to pass on my special gift to each of them.

What special ways do you encourage your children? Do you have special keepsakes you are saving to give to your children?

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Amber Flinn
Amber is a central Iowa native. Amber has been married to her best friend Tommy since 2007. Amber feels she has the best job in the world, being a stay at home mom to her two boys, Miles (August 2009) and Graham (May 2012). On any given day you may find Amber in her pajamas past noon, ignoring a couch piled high with clean laundry and a sticky kitchen floor desperate for a scrubbing. Much of Amber’s joy and fulfillment comes from serving her family. Amber is passionate about advocating for her son Miles and other children with special needs. Amber is currently learning and enjoying what it means to raise a healthy infant with her son Graham. Besides loving on her family, Amber enjoys ethnic foods, nerdy strategy and card games, lazy days, and good books.

4 COMMENTS

  1. That is so beautiful, Amber. What an absolute treasure those books will be not only to your sons but also to generations to come. There is no better mom for Miles and Graham than you!

  2. I have 2 journals bought just for that reason but they are sitting empty!  I need to start thanks for the reminder.

  3. Awesome! So sorry for the circumstances that led you to begin journaling! So good to hear of young moms thinking ahead to when their babies boys become young men. It’s similar to teaching at any level. You first must have a clear vision of what you want the student to know, be, do, and/or understand before you can begin the lesson. And, yes, it is not only acceptable, but recommended, to let the student know what will be on the final exam well before he must be tested. Amber, you are a very compassionate, conscientious, intelligent and nurturing mom and person. Kuddos to you and yours!

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