Dear "Grown-Up" Madden...

Hi Honey!!  Mom here.  I just wanted to write to you to tell you how proud of you I am.  Never could have I imagined when you were just a small boy all that you would become.  Yes, I had hopes and dreams for you, but life happens, and you just never know where you will end up.  But man, oh man, you have exceeded my hopes for you.  You have come so far and have accomplished so much, I don't even know where to begin!

First off, can I just tell you that you are a spitting image of your dad when he was your age?  I look at you and it takes me back to when we first had you, 24 years ago, and you are every ounce your dad!  From your dark sandy brown hair, to your deep brown, almost black eyes.  You just have to look at me with those things and you know that that I can't say no to anything you ask.

I think that's what got you your pretty little wife.  I see a lot of me in her, and that makes my heart so happy to know that you would find someone like me to call your partner, your best friend, your wife.  You two make the perfect couple and I thank God everyday for putting her in your life.  You haven't had children yet, but I don't think it will take long.  You love little kids, and have talked about having at least two or three babies of your own.  Just so you know, I'm ready and waiting...they say being a Grandma is the best job ever, so whenever you decide to take that next step, I will be the best dang Grandma I can be!!

Have I mentioned yet that I am over the moon ecstatic about the fact that you have decided to join your dad in the family business?  You went back and forth in college (Yale, to be exact) while playing football, about what you wanted to do once you graduated with your degree in finance (just like your dad) when you knew deep down inside that you couldn't wait to stand beside your dad in the finance world.  I love seeing you two thrive in the business world together.  You are both so driven, determined and amazing salesmen.  You two are like the dynamic duo and I couldn't be happier to not only have you living in the same city as me, but to be loving what you are doing...that is what matters most.

Just so you know, all of those nay-sayers out there that have ever put you down, told you that you couldn't do something, or have called you bad names, are just jealous.  Jealousy is a little devil that will forever follow you wherever you go.  Just brush it off, because you are the bigger person.  You have a heart of gold and wouldn't hurt a fly...which has made you so successful, popular and the life of the party.  Everyone just admires you which is why jealousy rears its ugly head in your direction.  You are the bigger person and I know that you will never stoop to their level!

On a completely different note, you still love yourself a good hotdog dipped in ranch, chicken nuggets with BBQ, and you are still a sucker for Sonic's chocolate shakes.  Sorry about that last one...we made that a tradition every Friday night when you were younger and they are still your favorite!

I am so amazed at your drive and determination in this life and couldn't be more proud to call you my son.  You have become such a fantastic young man and I know that this is only the beginning.  You will go far...very far.  I can't wait to see what else life has in store for you!

I love you honey.  With all of my heart.

Love,
Mom