Dear Avery,
Happy 19th birthday!
I went back and read the letter that I wrote to you last year. It was so full of hope for what college would be and how sad I was for you to leave home. Wow! It seems like a lifetime ago. 365 days ago, I told you …
Your best times are ahead. I can’t wait to hear every detail about college life. You are going to thrive!!! Everything that you’ve worked for your entire life (academically, socially, and musically) is getting ready to pay off …
My precious boy, you took those words and RAN! Look at you now. Would you ever have thought that this year would have been as full? In the past year, you worked all summer and saved your money (paying your own way through most of the entire first year of college), moved 12 hours from home to attend college, split center on a DCI level marimba line in the Million Dollar Band, made amazing friends that will be lifelong in not only MDB, but also Blount, performed in front of thousands of people at football games, including a bowl game AND the national championship, rented a house for next year, AND got a marimba spot at Carolina Crown. You packed a lot into 12 months, buddy.
You are the kindest person I’ve ever met. You are smart and talented and so handsome — and a thousand other things that I love about you, but your kind heart is my favorite. That character trait is genuine and sincere with you. I can tell so many stories with examples throughout your lifetime – it’s the best! Just this week, I got a message from someone on staff at Crown that said “What a sweet kid that Avery is.” I’m so proud of how you carry yourself and treat everyone around you.
This summer is so different not having you at home. As much as I miss you and hang on every text you send (there’s an area for improvement LOL!) – I could not be more proud of you. Traveling the country while playing music with a corps that you have loved for years is amazing. You are living the dream. And as much as you have spent your life being content to fly under the radar, I’m so glad that you are getting a moment to shine. Your summer with Carolina Crown will be etched into your memory forever. I can’t wait to watch you perform and to cheer you on every step of the way.
I honestly can’t imagine what this next year will hold for you. No matter what it is or how it unfolds, I’m always here for you. I am your biggest fan and will advocate for you as long as there is breath in my body. And at the same time, I will pick you up, dust you off, and carry you when life knocks you down.
Being your mom is my life’s greatest gift – I love you more than you could ever realize.
Have the most wonderful birthday and an incredible last year as a teen.
I love you,
