Where does the time go? In this very moment my heart feels ready to burst with joy as I recall moments from this day, thirteen years ago when I was getting ready to finally meet the sweet sweet love that had been growing inside me for 41 weeks.
What will it feel like to hold him close to my heart? What will it be like to hold his little hand and tell him he was safe? What will he look like? How wonderful will it feel to finally have clarity in my life’s purpose…to love him, nourish him, protect him, teach him, hold him, encourage him, laugh with him, cry with him, support him, guide him, LOVE him unconditionally? How proud of him will I be when he sits up, takes his first step, starts kindergarten then school?
I have only a faint recollection of the pain I had to endure to finally meet the love of my life. That’s not at all what had permanently imprinted in my heart & mind. What had imprinted was the first comforting cry that assured me he was breathing, it was the peace he found when I held him close, it was the calmness he experienced when I put him next to my heart and shoooshed him with my gentle voice. It was his little mouth rooting for nourishment when he was close to my bare skin. It was those beautiful piercing eyes staring at me when they opened. It was God’s voice that whispered I give him to you…
Now, here we are, thirteen years later with so much to look back on. Tones of memories that make us burst with joy, few memories that make my heart feel heavy…but all in all, a wonderful, abundant happy life with no regrets. He grew up safe, loved unconditionally, accepted for who he is, supported & encouraged to do what feels right in his heart. He’s an amazing young man, who has taught me so many life lessons. He makes me so very proud of the person that he is today.
In spirit of his 13th birthday, here are 13 life messages he’s consistently received from us in one way or another. In my heart I believe this helped mold him into the amazing, yet imperfect young man he is today:
1. Perfection is not something we can achieve on earth…we only ask that you always strive to be your best, whatever your best may be in that moment.
2. You are you and we love you for exactly who you are. We have no desire or intention to turn you into Mini Me’s.
3. When your confidence is low and need something to believe in, start with yourself. You have the strongest will of anyone we know.
4. God wants you to love & live a joyous, happy life. You deserve to be happy. Don’t ever let anyone convince you that you’re required to suffer to meet God’s will. Love is what matters most and where there’s love there is no suffering.
5. Beyond your good physical looks is a very beautiful soul that makes people feel so good in your presence.
6. You have an awesome sense of humor, don’t ever lose it! That is a gift from God!
7. We promise you unconditional love. You can be imperfect and be immensely loved by us now & forever.
8. Anything you can imagine and dream is possible. Don’t ever be afraid to take a first step even if you fall down. The only thing to fear is fear itself. You got this! You have the strength to get up more times than you’ve fallen!
9. You are enough as you are…good enough, smart enough, kind enough, loving enough, handsome enough. You are an individual and are perfect the way you are now. No need to compare yourself to others. Comparison is futile and a confidence killer.
10. It’s okay to make mistakes or to experience pain. It’s ok to cry when you’re sad, disappointed or in pain. That’s why God gave us cleansing tears, to wash the pain away and help us clearly see hope again.
11. We believe in you. You’re doing great. You gave it your best —that’s good enough for us for now. Let’s work harder to improve your best.
12. You are awesome! We’re so so proud of you. All we ask is that you never think you have to ask others for permission to dream and explore your interests and passions. Dreams are born inside you for a reason. By the way, that first computer you built when you were 11 is awesome sauce!
13. You are safe. WE have your back. Even when we’re not with you our voices are inside your head, our love & good intentions are inside your heart. You can count on us to protect you physically & emotionally. God dwells inside of you and you can count on him to protect you spiritually.
Parenting does not come with an instruction manual, and gets really scary at times. But it is also one of the greatest rewards in our lifetime for those of us born with a desire to parent. Is there a way to slow down time? 🙂
Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands. – Anne Frank
Sending my love to all of you amazing parents, or parents to be! Have a wonderful day everyone!
Love, Dee ❤️
P. S. HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY MY SWEET SWEET LOVE❣
No Comment