Dear Griffin,
One of my favorite first memories of you was on the morning of your second day, lying peacefully in the bassinet next to my bed. I’d managed to get a few hours of sleep – thankfully! – when the nurse picked you up and brought you over. She said, “His nose is cold!” as she handed you to me. I pulled you close and touched our noses together. Your nose was cold. I snuggled you right there and cherished every second of that quiet morning before Papa and Sam arrived.
That little cold nose became the center of my world. You fit right into our family perfectly. You idolized Sam, read all her Barbie Princess books, followed her around to all her activities. But at the same time, you grew into your own person with amazing values, ideals, and convictions. You always had a funny joke to tell, an interesting observation, and while I would call you easy-going, I think it’s more of JJ and Nana’s ability to just appreciate where you are in life and not worry about what didn’t quite go the way you may have wanted it to. Which is such a gift!
I encourage you to use these next 4 years to not just take what comes at you, but to really take ownership of what you want to get out of this experience. Having the freedom to focus purely on college, without the stress of a job this first year, is such a rare luxury. (Just remember that maintaining good grades is non-negotiable, otherwise, that job search starts early!) But give yourself the space to explore different paths, try new things, and decide what truly matters to you.
Above all, remember that this chapter belongs to you. You don’t need to live it to keep anyone else happy or meet anyone else’s standards, whether that’s new roommates, your girlfriend, your sister, or friends! It is more than okay to be a little bit selfish with your time and your focus right now. Put yourself first, figure out what lights you up, and build a world that feels completely your own.
Please remember to shower and scrub your scalp, wear deodorant, and brush your teeth. Your roommates will thank you!
Make these next four years count. Be strong and brave and also adventurous and courageous. And always kind. I am endlessly proud to be your Mom and believe in you and will be cheering you on always.
Be sure and call me sometimes when you are walking to class!
Love you tons,
Mama
