Tomorrow my son turns 16.
My God I am proud of him. He is an incredible human being – intelligent, kind, compassionate, great sense of humor, understanding, inquisitive, adorable – everything you want your child to be.
I remember back to being pregnant with him. I was terrified. I’d already lost one child and had difficulties getting pregnant. It wasn’t easy – those 9 months. During delivery, he and I were both on the brink of death at different times. But somehow, we came through it.
I swore – if I never do another thing right in my life, I will be the best parent my son could ask for. I would raise a child into the best adult he could be.
Somehow, I’ve done it. Through death, alcoholism, divorce, and moving across country, I’ve somehow managed to give him the guidance and love necessary to help him keep his head on straight.
I am so very lucky.
My son loves and respects me as I do him.
I’m slowly learning to let go and it’s hard. But I truly believe he was never mine to hold onto in the first place. He is meant for something much greater than I can imagine and he was only given to me to help him prepare for whatever comes his way.
I am honored to have been chosen his caregiver during his early years on this earth. I am honored to be able to stand beside him through his years of growth and education. And I am honored to be lucky enough to hold onto his heart as he branches out into this world.
Happy Birthday Sean – may you continue to grow and nurture your heart as well as your intellect throughout your life, and may you always hold onto a piece of your childlike enthusiasm and joy as you grow into the man you were always meant to be.
