Dear Derek

I’ve been thinking about you so much lately. It’s hard to believe you’re not only 18, but soon you will be graduating from high school and embarking on a new life as you head to college. I find myself teary eyed but I’m so excited to see what the future holds for you. Since the day you were born, I’ve always believed you’re going to be someone special and do great things. I believed that the morning you were born and 18 years later I still believe in you.  The sky is the limit for you, Derek. Like I’ve always said “you’re awesome and you’re perfect in every way! You’re going to go off and do great things and make a difference!” I believe that!

Distance has separated you and I the past three years, however a day hasn’t gone by that I haven’t awaken thinking about you, missing you and being so proud of my blonde haired, blue eyed boy that I still regard as “mommies baby!”  I’m looking forward to the day we are together again. Sometimes when I miss you I listen to the song “Close To You” by The Carpenters. It always reminds me of you. Like the song I long to be close to you. 

http://youtu.be/VcEKPAKuvgU

As I reflect on the day you were born I believe “the Angels got together and decided to create a dream come true. So they sprinkled moondust in your hair of gold and stardust in your eyes of blue”. You have been my dream come true ever since. I’m so blessed & proud to call you my son. You have touched my life as well as Everyone else’s. You’re a treasure inside and out. Thank you for making all of our lives so wonderful. You’re unique and one of a kind. Certainly gods greatest blessing to all of us. 

As you prepare for the future, I want you to remember all of your dreams will come true, provided they are your dreams. Live life to the fullest and pursue the dreams that make you happy, not everyone else’s. This is your life so make the best of it. I will be proud of you no matter what. I will support you in all of your endeavors. After all, I already know that whatever you do in life, you’re going to make a difference and touch so many lives with the gift of being you. You’re smart, you’re talented, you have a big heart and you’re unique and one of a kind…..the best kind! I’m so proud of you! 

My prayer for you is that your life is filled with peace, love, happiness and abundance. Thank you for blessing my life and making my life wonderful and filled with memories of a life filled with everything good. 

You leave behind a family that loves you. A family that is so proud of you. A family and a mom hopeful for your future. There will be ups and there will be downs but always remember I love you. Brian loves you. Your dad loves you. Pam loves you. Kaydren and Skyler love you and your nana’s love you too!!  Keep on being you. You’re beautiful and perfect in every way and always remember that whether you’re 18 or 81, I’ll love you forever, I’ll love you for always, as long as I’m living “mommies baby” you will always be!  I love you Derek Anthony Dunkin! I am looking forward to being with you again and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for you. It’s going to be exciting. 

Love you always, 

Mom