Dear Pookah Bear,
Today, my baby, you are 13.
![](https://everydayeyecandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_0509-768x1024.jpg.webp)
I teared up just typing that.
I remember when you turned 10, I felt like it hit me hard at how fast you were changing. How mature you were becoming.
These past three years, through a pandemic and middle school and watching you adapt and mature through all of that has taught me one thing:
You are amazing.
I know every parent thinks this about their child, but you really are amazing.
![](https://everydayeyecandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_0517-768x1024.jpg.webp)
I think every year I write that I am fascinated by how your mind works, what you think and who you are becoming. I sit in amazement at your confidence in yourself, your competitiveness, your bravado, your swag.
I watch you cook your breakfast, or listen to your opinion on something happening in the news , listen to teachers call you mature , hear you thank me for something simple, or watch you play basketball with your Dad and all I can think is…isn’t he a beautiful soul?
As we enter these teen years, I know there will be trials to come. I mean, already I feel our will butting up against yours as you try to stretch your wings and learn more about who you are becoming.
You are strong willed like your mama so I know that there will be disagreements, lessons to learn on both our parts, some tears and lots of joy.
![](https://everydayeyecandy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_0531-788x1024.jpg.webp)
You are my light, my joy, you make me smile even when I’m mad at you.
I loved you when you were first placed in my arms and I love you more every single day.
It is a privilege to be your mother.
I am so so proud of you.
Proud of the young man I see you becoming.
Happy Birthday ,
Love Mom
Genie
Saturday 26th of November 2022
Now I’m all teary-eyed right along with you, Mama. I’m so grateful we get these glimpses of the amazing boy-into-man you are raising. He is truly wonderful.