My Dearest Equis,

You are the deepest love my heart will ever know. 

I'm so grateful that you are in my life because you are the very best part of me.

I want the best for you, and I worry all the time about the fluid in your ears and your speech delay and how many words you'll speak this year and if you'll get hurt with the way you like to throw yourself on the floor.

I love your smile, your laugh, your legs, your everything. You are beautiful. Thank you for teaching me more wise life lessons in your two years on Earth than anyone else could.

There are no words to describe the love a mother has for her son, but I can try.

My love for you lifts higher than the moon you point at excitedly.

My love for you tastes more delicious than the chocolate you adore.

My love for you is more fun than watching Super Why or finger painting.

My love for you is larger than your classroom, your school, our city, our country, our world or our galaxy.

My love for you is stronger than you think my arms are--it can carry you much further.

My love for you is brighter than the sun that you shield your eyes from with your hat in the mornings.

My love for you is more colorful than a rainbow, softer than a rose petal and more resilient than steel.

Like the mother in Langston Hughes' poem, "Mother to Son" says, "Life for me" hasn't been easy… I've been climbing a staircase that doesn't seem to end, that sticks my bare feet with tacks and splinters; but I'm living my life for you as well as for me, and I want you to grow up into the strongest, kindest, most intelligent and compassionate man you can be.

I love you, Equis. Te quiero con todo mi corazón, hijo mío, y espero que Dios te bendiga para siempre.

Happy Valentine's Day, My Love.

XOXO,
Your Mommy, Xiomara