John, today is National Son’s Day. I hope everyone who has a son is able to do something special today to celebrate them.

Since my son Jordan was killed in 2012, National Son’s Day reminds me of all that was taken from me, but I’m also filled with happy memories of our time together.

I’m thinking of his sense of humor and how he always made people laugh. Other kids naturally were drawn to him, and he always had so many friends. I used to sit by the window and watch them playing for hours in the cul-de-sac.

I’m thinking of the time we spent in church together, and the long conversations we’d have afterward about our faith. Even at a young age, Jordan had a deep-seated sense of what was right and wrong.

And I always am reminded of Jordan’s innate curiosity and passion for learning new things. I thought he should be a lawyer or even an activist, because of his love for debate and gift for persuasion.

I can’t bring Jordan back, but I’ll always hold on to these memories. Being Jordan’s mom was the greatest honor of my life.

Since 2012, I’ve been on a mission to prevent other families from losing a child from gun violence like I did. This fuels the work I do in Congress every single day.

I hope you’ll join me in honoring all of our sons today. They are such a gift to us.

With love,

Lucy McBath