Yesterday, thirty-eight years ago, I gave birth to my first child, Eric, pictured above with his daughter. I can't believe I'm a mother of a child that age and I don't know where the time has gone. It seems just like yesterday I was watching him play wiffle ball in the yard with his younger brother and their friends. What is so weird is that while the two boys were growing up, it seemed like time stood still and I honestly believed I would be raising young children forever. I wondered when the baths, meals, laundry, homework, and disciplining them would ever end. I recall commiserating with my friends about motherhood and how difficult it was, especially a mother who worked full-time. There didn't seem to be enough hours in a day. The responsibilities were endless and all I really wanted in life was to go into the bathroom and have a long bubble bath without one interruption. It would have been unthinkable to have one without one of the boys laying in the hallway and using their feet to bang on the bathroom door to get me to come out and attend to them.
While I was in the midst of motherhood, my then mother-in-law used to tell me that I should cherish this time because it would fly by like a minute. I thought she'd lost her marbles. It was hard work being a mother. With no time to myself, I couldn't wait for the time to come when the boys were grown up enough to care for themselves. Little did I know that her words would come back to haunt me many times.
I love my sons very much. As every mother, there is no way to distinguish my love for them, it is equal in every way. But, as it is Eric's birthday, I will comment on his qualities. I am his mother, so I know I am biased, but suffice it to say that he has pleased me from the day he was born. No mother could hand pick a son who is as kind, dedicated, loving, or faithful. He is now a father/grandfather himself and I know he wishes the same for his children/grandchild as I do. May they be happy in life, happy in love, and happy in following God. I am blessed to call Eric my son. He was never mine to begin with, just mine to care for--he belongs to my heavenly father. Thank you, Lord.
Today, is my 11th wedding anniversary! Pictured here, on the left, next to my sons, is my wonderful husband. If you want to know what a spectacular guy h I married, I dedicated a whole blog entry to him. Go here http://expatsagain.blogspot.com/2010/06/birthday-wishes-for-him.html and hear his praises. He is the love of my life, my best friend, my protector, my inspiration, my steadfastness and my guide. He is a wonderful father to all of our children and mine, in particular love him as their own. He has always been there for them and for me. Honey, I love you!
3 comments:
What a wonderful characterization of your son. You've obviously raised him well. I hope he has a great birthday!
Thank you, blueviolet, it was my pleasure to raise him.
I am very conscious that some day I'll long for the days when they couldn't get enough of me - but even with that knowledge, it's hard to be patient. You'd think there'd be a happy medium!
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