Dear Derrick,

Today is the first day of summer vacation. Sorry, but it may be one long summer. You are at the age where the boring summer camps at the YMCA won't be any fun, but you are too young to go out with your friends on your own. No worries though. We will have fun throughout the summer. I have a surprise for you during the summer with a mini road trip.

School was difficult for you this year. You had lots of bullies teasing you and call you names. It broke my heart. I tried to explain to you that in ten years, none of that will matter. You probably won't be friends with anyone you went to middle school with anyway, maybe one or two.

You are getting so tall. You complain everyday about getting your hair cut. I like the long locks of naturally curly hair, but you don't like the multi-racial hair you were born with. Good thing you've got your mom's texture!

Sometimes when I look at you, you seem so unhappy. I don't know how to fix it. I know you struggle with building relationships with other kids, and I feel so guilty that you were an only child. I always wonder if I had another child, would you feel so lonely. I know you feel lonely in this big world. I wish I could protect you from everything bad that will happen in your life, but I can't. I wish I could take the unhappy moments away and make you happy every day you live. I wish so much for you.

You are such a wonderful kid. I love you more than life itself. I pray every day for your happiness and wellness. I love you so much.

Love you,
Mom