My beloved Angels,

I have thought very hard about what I wanted to express as you three begin on the new school year 2018-2019 in a few weeks. Foremost, I wanted to say that, as your mother, I could not be prouder of the individuals each of you are becoming. Every one of you has so many unique qualities, and I know you guys will do a fantastic job again this year as you have done so many times before.

However, as you get older and things change in our world, I feel, as your mom, I need to share this letter with you. I will give you some advice to carry with you within each day. I hope as time goes on you will pass this same advice to your children one day.

First, I will begin with you, Consuelo.

My photo with my daughter Consuelo and me

My beautiful and sweet girl. I still can’t believe you will be in third grade. Wow, it seems, like I blinked and you went from my little newborn to this fabulous and amazing daughter. Your Father and I could not be prouder of the talented and funny young lady you are becoming before our eyes. I would like to tell you there is no need to be nervous about starting a new school year.  I know you feel nervous with a bit of excitement. This is all normal, my dear girl. I am sure you will do well, and there is nothing you can’t accomplish. Keep being who you are.

Consuelo, I know how you are curious about who your teacher will be this year? And, if your close friends will be in the class with you? But don’t sweat it, no matter who your teacher is they will love you because you are kin, sweet and always works hard. It doesn’t matter if your close friends are in the class with you. Don’t be afraid to open up to new friends too. Overall, keep being you!

Now, on to my handsome sons, Michael and Paul.

I will begin with you, Mike.

The Stein’s. My son Michael and me

Wow, son. I still can’t believe you will be in the seventh grade. Mikey, as I said to Connie, Dad and I could not be prouder of what you have accomplished. I know when you started out in sixth grade it had been challenging. However, with your hard work, dedication,  and not to mention all the amazing teachers at Holly Ridge Middle School, you did it! I know you do not always feel like have given your all and you are hard on yourself.

But son, I want to take this time to tell you we believe in you and know, in seventh grade, you will continue to work hard and continue to be your funny self. I can’t tell you how many people at the school shared how funny you were with your impressions and different accents. I am so glad you join theater, and I hope you continue to grow in your talent.

My advice to you is to continue to place your best foot forward and keep being you!

We love you, Michael!

Last but not least, now on two my second handsome son, Paul.

The Stein’s. Me and my son, Paul

As I have repeated in this letter to your siblings, I can’t believe you will start this year as an eighth grader. Time moved fast, and I hold the memories of you all as toddlers fondly. I have to say, Paul, as I said to your sister and brother, Dad and I could not be prouder.

You have always been the overachiever. You worry about getting the best grades and working hard at school. We appreciate that, Paul. However, I want to tell you how I hope you take the time to open yourself more to others. Don’t be afraid to make new friends. I know you are quiet. You take after your Aunt Francis. There is nothing wrong with it. But, I want others to get to know the Paul we see. The happy-go-lucky individual who loves to dance, and share important facts he learned with others.

All of your teachers always said what a kind-and-considerate young man you were to them. It made me so happy when they shared that with me.

Paul, you are very musical, and all of us, including your grandparents, were proud when you got the award in achievement in band this year. Keep up the good work son! We know how much you love playing the clarinet and being in band.

One last piece of advice, don’t be afraid to show others who you are!

Finally, as a mother

I can’t help but worry about the things that occur in our world that we can’t control. But, I rely on my faith and always pray you all along with everyone at school, and everywhere is always safe. I wanted my thoughts in this letter to let you all know how much I love you. I wish you the best and most blessed year that is to come!

Love always,

Mom