Dear Brendan,

I am the proudest mom ever that I get to be your mom.

From the time you were born I have loved you so much and wanted all the happiness in the world for you. You have brought so much joy to me and to your entire family and you do it without effort because it’s just who you are. Your sisters have been so lucky to have you as the best big brother anyone could ask for. Always willing to help with a smile, you bring your easy laugh, positive attitude and gentle nature into your interactions, and everyone who meets you loves you. How could they not?!

As you prepare for your wedding, I want you to know I am so happy that you and CJ found each other, that you have someone to marry who loves you, cherishes you, cheers for you, cares for you, lifts you up, is proud of you and wants the best for you; that you can be that and more for each other. In your marriage I wish you the patience to listen to each other; the courage to be honest even when it’s hard and scary; the strength to disagree respectfully; the faith that your partner will love all the parts of you even the messy imperfect ones; the trust that you can ask for what you need; and lots of moments of fun and laughter and love.

And remember, Bumba, I will always be there for you, available for recipes, book review talks, rehashing Survivor and Top Chef, sharing recent happenings, providing any advice you need, (and humbly apologizing when I hop out of my lane and give all that unsolicited advice I have been known to offer!)

And most importantly, as you move into your new life together with CJ as his husband, know that I will be beaming with endless pride and love for you.

As Moriah on Survivor said, “You deserve as much as you think you do, and that is up to you.” If it were up to me, I would say you deserve all the happiness and blessings in the world, along with some challenges that will make sure you treasure the good times. I love you, my dear son!

Dear CJ,

I am filled with pride and joy anticipating your wedding day!

It’s a beautiful thing to be blessed with a son like you! A mother prays that her child is healthy, happy, and experiences true unconditional love. Growing up, you were this clever and creative child, you’d easily charm people with your quick wit and yes, sass. I cherish those sweet memories of my little best friend, who told me that someday he’d buy a house next door and have lots of kids, lol! I knew you’d make your mark in this world and it’s been a privilege watching you grow into an amazing man with all the same wonderful and ambitious qualities. I also knew it would take an extra special person to capture your heart. From the moment I met Brendan, I knew that he was the one, I can see it in the way you look at each other, care for one another, and show kindness because of each other. You are simply good together. Though I miss our chats and laughs as you did your laundry here at home, it fills my heart that you are creating your new home with Brendan and Bohkee. I will always be your Lumpy (LL’s) and here for you and the family you’re building.

Brendan and CJ, all good things lead to and from love. You two achieved this and will now continue the good work of cultivating and nurturing it. At times it won’t be easy but it will always be worth it. Treasure every priceless moment of creating this beautiful life together and fulfilling dreams. Don’t ever take precious love, or each other, for granted.

I wish you a life filled with beautiful blessings and priceless moments like now. I will be forever grateful that you found a partner in life who loves and cares for you as much as Brendan does, and I know that your future together will be that true love written in the music of your favorite singer-songwriter.

And remember, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” We are living in that moment.

Congratulations, my Loves, I am so very Happy for you! I Love You, Infinity!!