To My Son

On Saturday, July 3, 1993 at 4:44 P.M. I received the greatest gift and greatest and most treasured title of my life. I became a mother for the first time and a mother to the most beautiful baby boy. My life became complete on that hot afternoon in July.

From the start I knew our relationship was going to be special and something I will always treasure. You were very easy to take care of. You never cried and from the first moment you smiled, you never stopped those beautiful smiles. They went from the toothless grins to a toothy smile that still hasn't stopped to this day. We were never apart in those first years and I was your first love and first playmate.

It seems like only yesterday we were playing with blocks and cars and legos and puzzles on the family room floor. I know the movie Toy Story by heart because you watched it millions of time. Elmo became a member of our family and your most treasured toy was your "mown mower". We bought quite a few of them each summer til you were about 5. Daddy couldn't go to Home Depot without you. It was your favorite place to go because he would sit you on those big lawn mowers. Poppal would do the same thing at Sears. He didn't mind because that meant he didn't have to follow me and Granny around the mall.

When I look at you now I see the man you are becoming but when I look closer, I still see this little boy who held my hand and always had a kiss and hug and an I "wuv" you countless times a day. Of course I still get the hugs and kisses and the "I love yous" but they aren't as often as they used to be. That is fine. I have had to give you some wings in the past couple of years. You need to find yourself and become your own person. Just know that when we are apart, I worry til you are home again. That will never stop whether you are 13 or 70. I am a mom and more important, I am your mom and always will be.

It is funny, I don't feel like 13 years have passed. There are times when I feel that time has stood still but in reality, I blinked my eyes and here we are 13 years older and 13 years wiser. Lots of things have happened to change our lives. When you were 4, your sister came along and even though you don't realize it now, she loves you so much and has always looked up to you. You lost both of your grandmothers and one of your grandfathers in those years. I know today they are singing "Happy Birthday" to you with Granny's voice being the loudest. You are going to be in 8th grade. You will go off to school in September without even looking back when you enter the school. It was such a short time ago when you entered preschool and wouldn't let go of my leg. Yes, you were that short at one time. But through the years, we have grown and learned. That is what life is all about. I just hope that you spend the rest of your life growing and learning and remembering what I taught you from the very start.

So on this day I wish you the happiest of birthdays as you enter your teen years. You will have lots of fun during these next several years. Yes they will be challenging at times but always remember I am going to be right there with you. I have been there before you and it wasn't too long ago that I was a teenager. Nothing will surprise me so never hesitate to talk to your mom. You can always come to me and I will do my best to help you no matter what the problem. It is like that Vegas commercial. Whatever you tell mom, stays with mom!!! :)

Happy 13th Birthday Nick!!
Thank you for making me a mom and more importantly YOUR mom.
I love you with all my heart and soul!!