2012
On Our Anniversary, A Letter to My Son
Dear Little Browne Dude,
So, you aren’t here yet, in fact we have 76 days to go until your mom and I meet you for the first time (if doctor’s due date is accurate) but I wanted to let you know that today is our wedding anniversary…4 years ago today we got married on the beach in Pismo Beach, CA. It was an absolutely amazing week, and day, full of family and friends, wine and food, laughter and love…your mom and I are massively lucky to have the people we have in our lives and we were even luckier to have found each other amongst all the chaos in the world.
If I could give you any advice it would be to BE in every moment, you’ll find out one day that this amazing life goes by so quickly so it’s very important to understand this early on. You’re going to have times in your life where you will have a broken heart, you’ll lose someone you love, you’ll be sick, or it seems like everything is crashing down around you…we all have these times but I am here to tell you that these times shall pass and YOU will have a choice to make in those moments; either you will choose to own those moments no matter how difficult they seem to be or you will let those moments own you.
This is one thing your mom and I have worked so hard to achieve, enjoy our moments even when it seems like all the world is stacked against us. The ability to shine light in this world when it’s at its darkest is an amazing gift, stay positive and carve out your own path. This life goes by in the blink of an eye so live it as deeply and fully as you possibly can, the world needs that from you. Your mom and I have been working toward this kind of freedom and it has been the most fun and rewarding part of my 35 years so far…it’s not easy though, that work never stops, but it is so worth the effort!!
So on this anniversary, as we prepare for your arrival I am also thinking a lot about where your mom and I started and the roller coaster ride it has been so far. We look forward to meeting you and having you join the roller coaster with us…there will be many bumps along the way but trust me, even the bumps are worth this indescribable adventure. You will be surrounded by some amazing family and friends as well, so many are looking forward to meeting you, not just mom and I. I can’t wait to see your eyes light up at all the little miracles life will throw your way and I hope it reminds me of all those little moments and just how incredible they are. See you soon Little Browne Dude!!
Buckle up and let the adventure begin!!
Beautiful letter and thoughts, Matt! I hope one day your son will turn to this letter as a guiding light for how he should live his life…and know that he has SO MANY people to turn to to share his joys and his struggles. People who will be a supportive shoulder to lean on and people who will cheer him on in his successes! Much love to Little and to you and Annie as you celebrate your anniversary and the coming arrival of LB!
@HeatherBrowneDearborn Thanks sis…it’s an interesting journey and more interesting the feelings and emotion that go along with it!!
Little Browne: hey there, little percolating man. Just two things I wanted to point out, as this total random guy who you’ll more than likely never meet in your entire life but is substantially interested in both of your parents, and as an extension, you.
(1) – Never be afraid to fail. Never be afraid of the pain, the heartache, the burden. It’s the trials and tribulations that deliver you the trophies and triumphs. In whatever facet of life.
(2) – Your mom and dad… among the extended family and friends that you will accumulate in the days of your own individualistic adventure… will be your two champions of #1. If you consistently grant them that access, they’ll walk with you in the trials and tribulations, and they’ll be the first ones you think of when you reflect on the trophies and triumphs. In whatever facet of life.
By the way – thank your father for this post when you’re able to look back on it and identify its value. Then thank your mother for marrying your father how many ever years ago it is that you read this and make that identification.
You’re going to move mountains, young man. Mountains. And your parents will undoubtedly be there beside you when you do.
- just this long-distance, indirect friend of your ‘rents
@sumnermusolf Not sure what to say Sumner…you got me. I appreciate the words (and the friendship) more than you know buddy!! Thank you!
Awesome! You two are going to make one heckuva pair of ‘rents. Such an exciting time. All the best to you guys!
Thanks Frank, I suppose time will tell but I feel we’re going in to this with a good game plan. A pretty wild adventure! Cheers to you Frank!
A beautiful letter from a father to a son. What a beautiful adventure you, Annie & Little Browne will have. I raise my glass to the Browne family and to a life worth loving every moment of.
Cheers,
Allie
Thank you very much Allie…the emotions we’ve been feeling are a trip, who knew you could love something so much that you’ve never seen. Cheers!!