A boy and his Mom

Today is my son's birthday. For one year I have been a Mom to a boy, and yes, it is inexplicably different. Unless you have a son...you simply can't understand, but once you do...all you do is shake your head and nod, because you understand but cannot put into words the feelings in your heart.

Do I love my son more than my daughters, No at all. I love them all with every cell in my body. With every thought in my mind and every beat of my heart. They are all my children, hoped and prayed for, given to me as a gift, wanted, protected and cherished as every child should be.

As I watch them sleep, breathing slow and deep, I pray to God that they never question my love. That they never feel sadness or pain. At times I cry because I know there is nothing in this world I wouldn't do to ensure this...and yet there is NOTHING I can actually do to prevent it. So I settle for praying that they will learn to love the life they live.

I am so proud of my son (and my daughters). I am proud that they are mine, entrusted to me to raise. I am proud because I know that no matter where they may go in life, or what they may do...it will lead them exactly where they need to be and they will become exactly who they are supposed to become and that there is nothing that will decrease the love I have for him (them). They are constantly and unconditionally loved.

I pray that my son sees how I love his Father and how his Father treats me and stores it in his heart so that when he finds the one his heart loves, he will recognize it.

I pray that he is a man with strong morals. That he carries in his heart the lessons we have taught him about how to treat others.

I pray that he knows that his actions will not only speak louder than his words, but also any degree he may choose to obtain. A degree adds to your life but does not define your worth or stature. Common sense is far more valuable.

I pray this and so much more, and every day my prayers are tailored to grow with him.

Every night as I fall asleep, I am thankful that my son has a father who loves him and who will guide him into manhood. I am thankful for the many men in my sons life who will help set an example of how a man ought to act.

It sounds like an awful lot to think about such a tiny guy...but he is going to exceed any and all of my expectations. I know this...because he already has.