To my greatest teacher — Preston.
Dearest Preston,
You are a bright light. An ancient light. A gifted light that came into this world not only to live, but to awaken something in the people around you.
When I look at humanity, I see a galaxy filled with stars, each carrying its own frequency, its own purpose, its own brilliance. And yours shines so brightly. You illuminate others simply by being who you are.
You are my greatest teacher.
Over these last twelve years, I have watched you navigate a world that often struggles to understand sensitive, brilliant, deeply feeling souls. And still, you continue to show up with courage, love, hope, and joy. Again and again.
We have climbed mountains together.
We have weathered storms together.
We have walked through valleys that reshaped us both.
And somehow, through it all, you continue to carry wisdom and strength.
That is no small thing. You are no small presence.
As your mother, I am constantly in awe of who you are and feel tremendous gratitude that I get to be your mother — thank you for choosing me.
I am grateful I get to witness your becoming.
To care for you.
To challenge you.
To advocate for you.
To learn from you.
And if I am honest, the journey of being your mother is beyond that love; it’s a fierce reverence and devotion to paving a clear path for your way of being.
Because I know the world is not always kind to souls like you.
To be twice exceptional.
To be highly gifted and neurodivergent.
To carry empathy so naturally that you feel the emotional currents around you.
To be both deeply intelligent and deeply sensitive in a world that rewards disconnection and disassociation.
That is a lot for a young heart to carry.
And yet, you do.
With grace far beyond your years.
You forgive quickly.
You care deeply.
You challenge the people around you to become better humans simply by being authentically yourself.
You are an old soul in a world that often does not recognize them.
But, Sweet P, what makes life difficult is also your gift.
Your mind will pave new paths.
Your heart will help heal people.
Your sensitivity will become wisdom.
And your courage will become medicine for others.
I already see it.
As your mother, I will continue to guide you with both softness and strength. I will continue to advocate for you fiercely. I will continue reminding you that your gifts matter.
While you are here to do meaningful things in this world, you are also here to live in joy, play, wonder, gratitude, laughter, rest, regulation, curiosity, and adventure. To be the fullest expression of who you are and your authentic way of being in the world.
And as you step into this new chapter of twelve years old, I feel both hope and humility. I know there will be more storms ahead. That is part of being alive. But I also know this:
You are deeply loved.
You are divinely protected.
You will not walk this path alone.
I love you wholeheartedly, unconditionally, fiercely — forever.
So keep shining your light, Sweet P.
Your brilliance is already helping others find their way.
And this Mother’s Day, more than anything, I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you for making me your mom.
With cosmic love,
Mom
Photo by: Bonnie, Seattle, WA, and home in Las Colinas, TX