Dear Boy.......

A Letter To Me

(By Brad Paisley)
If I could write a letter to me and send it back in time to myself at 17
First I'd prove it's me by saying look under your bed
There's a 22 rilfle and shotgun shells no one else would know you hid
And then I'd say I know it's tough when you break up after seven months
And yeah, I know you really liked her, and it just don't seem fair
All I can say is pain like that is fast, and it's rare.

Chorus:
And oh, you got so much going for you, going right
But I know at 17, it's hard to see past Friday night
She wasn't right for you
And still you feel like there's a knife sticking out of your back
And you're wondering if you'll survive*but*
You'll make it through this and you'll see
You're still around to write this letter to me.

At the stop sign at Abraham and Eighth
Always stop completely
Don't just tap your brakes
And when you get into the car,
Make sure your seat belt is on
Another thought remember,
To keep your helmet on

Each and every time you have a fight
Just assume you're wrong and dad is right
And you should really thank Mrs. Gabby
She spent so much extra time
It's like *she sees* the diamond underneath
And she's polishing you 'til you shine.

Chorus:
And oh, you got so much going for you, going right
But I know at 17 it's hard to see past Friday night
Tonight's the bonfire rally but you're staying home instead
Because if you fail algebra, mom and dad will kill you dead *but*
Trust me you'll squeak by and get a C
And you're still around to write this letter to me.

You've got so much *up* ahead
You'll make new friends, you should see your kids and wife
And I'd end by saying have no fear
These are nowhere near the best years of your life.

I guess I'll see you in the mirror
When you're a grown man
P.S. go hug Aunt Marilyn every chance you can.

Chorus:
And oh, you got so much going for you, going right
But I know at 17, it's hard to see past Friday night
I wish you'd study Spanish
I wish you'd take a typing class
I wish you wouldn't worry, let it be
I'd say have a little faith, and you'll see

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BOY!!!

Who knew that 17 would come so fast!

Just a few things we love about you.....

We love your fierce loyalty to your family.....

(you can get mad at them...but no one else can....)

I love how you talk to me....(Mom)

We love your honesty, even though it is sometimes a little painful...

We love how funny you are....

We love that your family and friends confide in you....that you are trustworthy....

We love everything about you!!!

Life has been an adventure with you from the moment you came into this family,

and we have a feeling that the real adventure is just beginning,

You have shown great courage....

You have not been a perfect child.....but then again who has???

We are proud of you nonetheless...

My Boy....we have "known" you from the moment we layed eyes on you...you are a familiar soul,

I loved it when Pres. Magadan said that he sees your Father in you....

He has known your Dad for a long, long time.....he would know.

I see him in you too!(Mom)

The time is coming soon, when you will leave us....I am not ready for that,

Marco says he thinks I will cry alot when mission time comes.....

what he doesn't know, is that I cry now just thinking about it.(Mom)

Dad and I love you more than we could ever express to you....You have been a joy and a blessing in our lives.....We thank Heavenly Father daily for sparing you life on more than one occasion,

*especially today as we remember Alexis and your accident 2 years ago*

Here's to the past....your extreemly active childhood...

to the present....your very very exciting;) youth....

and most of all to your future.....and all that is to come!

We Love You!!!

Happy Birthday!

Love....

Dad and Mom