A few years ago, I wrote a letter to my first born when he became a teenager. You can find it here. Today, my middle child turns 14. Here is his letter from me to him.

My dearest boy in the middle,

The ride with you has been a comfortable one. No unexpected surprises, no sleepless nights. You are a rule follower and I adore you for that, for making it easy for me to be a mom. You are quiet and observant yet you know exactly where you stand. You will shine in whatever you decide to do later on in life because you are smart, you work hard, and you do things with love.

Your laugh always makes me laugh too. That, as well as your eyes, are the thing I love about you the most. I lie, I love everything about you. I need you to know you make me proud every day and I cannot wait to see the beautiful, kind, grown up person you will become.

I have been lucky enough to see you grow not only with my eyes but also through my lens. Best of all, it’s all there for me to re visit any time I want. I can keep your eyes and curly hair forever; your elegant hands and your half smile are mine to savor when you take your flight.

Now that you’re turning into a young man, I ask only one thing: please allow me to continue photographing you. Let me still be a part of your life. Let me and my camera hang out with you.

Sincerely,

Your mother (Maite)