Dear Gabe,
Sometimes I get embarrassed when I talk about you. I know that sounds mean, right? But not the way I mean it. I mean because you’re so good, it’s unreal. I think people will think I’m making you up. But I’m not. You’re just 100% pure gold.
You help around the house without me even having to ask. I think you’re like me…you just like to do nice things for people. It makes you feel good and you like to be helpful. It’s a wonderful quality. thoughtfulness is rare and highly regarded. I hope you never, ever lose that quality. I also hope that you are able to put yourself first. As much as it feels good to help others, it’s important that you help yourself too.
You are so in tune with other’s feelings too. You can always tell when I’m at my wit’s end or when Dad needs a minute or when Olivia’s getting overwhelmed or Matthew wants to play. You’re so observant and so, so kind.
You love your family and you’re not afraid to show us or tell us. You’re not going to let me kiss you at the bus stop or anything, but I always get a kiss goodnight. You are so good at showing us all that you love us.
Playing sports is your “end-all-be-all” right now. Soccer is still your favorite by far. You’re so passionate about it. I’m not sure I’ve ever been that passionate about a sport. I love watching you do what you love. You always want to play sports and lately you and I have been playing a lot of basketball. I love shooting hoops with you.
I think it’s so easy to get caught up in being the best at sports, or get the best grades, or have the cutest girlfriend or wear the trendiest clothes. But what I think is most important is that you are a great human being. You have that in spades. You are the best human being I know. And you’re only 11. Amazing. I’d like to be like you when I grow up.
Most days I think I’m screwing it all up. I’m tired, I’m overwhelmed, I’m barely treading water. But then I look at you, and see your heart of gold and just how truly awesome you are, and I know that I must be doing something right.
You’re amazing, you’re funny, you’re smart and you’re all mine.
Happy 11th Birthday beautiful boy…
I love you!!
Elastamom's Excerpts 
Happy Birthday Gabe! What a great letter to him! He is a great kid. You are a great Mom. It is a perfect fit :o)
Sweet words for a sweet boy!
what a sweet sweet tribute. I love that life brought him to you as a surprise and he was exactly what your family needed. Perfection!
I love how you said you get embarrassed talking about him. I have totally felt that way before when I describe my relationship with my twin sister. I worry that people think I’m bragging or making it up! PS Gabe really does sound like the BEST and he will make some lucky lady so happy some day!
Gabe sounds like a really great kid, you should be proud and loud. Brag away!
He’s a very wonderful boy. You’re raising him right. I hope he had a great day.
Aww, Tiffany. Such wonderful sentiments for your eleven year old! Happy Birthday to Gabe!