It’s that time of year. Parents are feeling the emotions as so many have a graduate in the house and are looking toward the future ahead.

I thought it might be cathartic to share a letter I wrote to my son when he graduated from high school years ago. It might give you inspiration to craft your own. Who knows, they might actually save it !

Dear son,

You did it.

I watched you walk across that stage, cap slightly crooked, smile wide, and I swear—for just a second—I saw flashes of your entire childhood: your first wobbly steps in the living room, the cuts and bruises from climbing just about everything in your pat, the last minute research paper that you forgot was due and staying up all night working on it while I cheered you on. It all rushed back as you crossed that stage like it was just another hallway you were breezing through.

And I’ll be honest—it took everything in me not to cry. (Okay, I cried.)

I want you to know something: I’m proud of your accomplishments, yes—but I’m even prouder of who you are. Your commitment to God. The loyalty you show your family and friends. The way you treat your elders and especially the way you devote your time to helping others.

Graduation marks an ending, but also a beginning. And I know people say that all the time, but it’s true. You’re about to step into a world that will challenge you, excite you, confuse you, and stretch you in ways we haven’t even imagined yet. You’ll leave behind the safety of your family and the place you called hoe for 18 years.

I’ll miss all of it. Yes, even your messy room.

As you head off to this next chapter—I hope you carry with you these things:

• Remember where you came from. Not just our address, but the people who raised you, cheered for you, and sometimes said no when you really wanted a yes. We love you fiercely and imperfectly.
• Keep your heart open. To people, to change, to the kind of growth that doesn’t always feel good in the moment but leads you somewhere beautiful.
• Ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise. You don’t have to do life alone, and you were never meant to.
• Call your parents. Not because you have to. Just because we miss you and love hearing your voice—even if you’re just calling to ask how to do laundry again.

Watching you graduate has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It’s the kind of moment you dream about when your child is small, but you can never fully prepare for the wave of emotions when it actually arrives.

So go. Go live, go learn, go make mistakes and figure things out. We’ll be here cheering you on—always.

With all my love,
Mom

My son chose to enter the military. It was a tough choice for me to accept because I worried about boot camp and all the struggles he would face along the way. But I knew it was something he wanted to do and had been considering for years.

If you’re feeling all the feels this graduation season, you’re not alone. Take a few quiet moments to write your own letter to your graduate. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just honest. Tuck it into their suitcase, or hand it to them before they leave. It’s a gift that means more than anything you’ll wrap with ribbon.