Correct gender of articles, adjectives

[Senora M]

Hi, hola!

It has been 52 years since I took 2 years of high school Spanish. My husband and I are sponsoring an 11-yr.-old boy in the Carribbean. I was delighted to find a Spanish-language birthday card for him at our local grocery store today (we live in the Midwest.) That is, I think it will be okay for a boy. It says inside, "Estás lejos de aquí ...¡mas no de mi mente!" - translated, "You're far from here.....but near in my thoughts!"
My question is, Is "Estás" okay for a boy, or should it be "Esté" for a boy?
I'm thinking what is on the card is gender neutral, but I want to be sure that we don't embarrass him by referring to him in the feminine. I can change the spelling on the card if necessary.
I would appreciate any information regarding this.
Thank you very much!
Señora M

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

There are no adjectives or nouns in those sentences, so nothing in them suggests it's addressed to any specific gender.

"Estás" is fine. "Esté" is used for when one treats people with more respect, as when you address them with their titles --Mr., Mrs., Professor, Dr.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by AngelicaDeAlquezar

"Esté" is used for when one treats people with more respect, as when you address them with their titles --Mr., Mrs., Professor, Dr.

And this particular form of the verb estar is grammatically out of place.

As already stated, your card is appropriate for a child of either gender.

[AngelicaDeAlquezar]

That's right, Rusty, thank you. It should have been "está".

[Senora M]

Thank you all very much!! I appreciate your fast response. I can put the birthday card in the mail today with my mind at ease : )
Sincerely,
Senora M