my dear son,

right now I know you're going through a roller coaster of new emotions. you're obsessing about friends, sex, studies, money, but mostly sex. you realize that your parents are flawed and have shitty tastes in music. you want a different haircut, different interests, have a different behaviour than those we approve of or expect from you. you need to question every value we have taught you, every truth you believe in so as to shatter your psychological balance and make the transition from the adolescent to the man. we know it's a hard time for you, but we understand that it may be the only way you're going to figure out who you are and who you want to be.

my dear son. I've seen so many things. things I hope you will never see. I've seen people killing people in the name of ideology, religion and race. I've seen the earth raging, I've seen children starving. I've seen horror, I've seen evil. but I've also seen beauty so glorious that I could almost choke. I've seen Love. I've seen bravery. I've witnessed miracles. these I hope for you to see. for they will make you a better person. life is difficult but there is not a difficulty that can't be overcome. enjoy the moment, learn from the past and focus on the future. pray every day. be open to all kinds of music. music will enrich your spirit and uplift your soul. follow your instinct but listen to others. I know you probably don't want to talk to your mother so hopefully throughout the years you have built a network of reliable and trustworthy elders to guide you in your life. your golf coach. your music teacher. talk to them. always hope for the best. recycle. volunteer. remember that all people deserve your respect no matter their color, social status, religion, culture and personal beliefs. but stay away from extremism. watch good movies. be a loyal friend. and be a good brother. always be grateful for what you have. and know that you never give too much. if you're lost ask for direction. learn how to forgive. treat women with respect. please don't smoke. never, ever drink and drive. read as much as you can. widen your horizon. love unconditionally.

I know that I am not a perfect mother and I realize that I can't protect you from everything. but I did the best I could. and I have faith in you. so remember that I love you. your father loves you. we've always have. never, ever doubt or question this. there's still so much I want to tell you but right now you're happily showing me your little bootie so I can wipe it.

so, my 16 year-old son. go. and embrace your journey.

God bless you always, your Mommy.


via Creative Reporter by Irene Nam,
a writer living in Paris surviving twinshock, blank page days and dog poop. You can read about her life on her personal blog www.irenenam.squarespace.com