Just like you, I wanted to be on time.
Nineteen years ago, exactly, my water broke. At midnight, on my due date.
Sixteen hours later, my first child, my son, was born. And here we are, I blinked and you are 19 years old. 
When I think of how much you have grown, and struggled, how much you have achieved and how far you have come, I am overwhelmed with pride. 
Even in the last year since you graduated from high school. You have survived a year of college classes, with honors. You made the tough decision to switch schools. You have a job you like and a boss who is giving you additional responsibilities. You have become so busy with friends I barely see you! That’s something I wasn’t sure I’d ever say. 
But more important than any of that, you are one of the kindest 19 year olds I have ever known. You hold the door open for people at the store. You tell me you love me several times a day. You make sure your sister is safe when we are in a parking lot. You do chores without asking. You call or text family without being told to. You go over to your grandma’s house on your free days to do yard work. You run errands for me while I am at work without a complaint.
The saying goes, in a world where you can be anything, be kind. It’s so true. I have no doubt you will reach your goals and achieve your dreams. That natural kindness you have, which is more rare than common in someone your age, will help you move mountains. 
And I get to sit back with pride and say, “Yep, that’s my boy.” 
Some parents wish for their kids to be star quarterbacks, valedictorians, doctors or lawyers. I dream for you to be happy, kind and successful, with whatever you decide is your path. It could be your music, it could be something else.
You are a shining star, a one-in-a-million kind of kid. You are my pride and my joy. No matter what happens, always be you.
Happy Happy birthday, Cam.
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