Today my baby, my youngest son, Kevin is eighteen years old. I cannot believe how fast these years have gone by, how quickly this day came. It was a high-risk pregnancy and I was on bed rest the entire nine months. Then, because he was so big (9lbs 13oz) they told me I could deliver him naturally and they would break his shoulders to get him out, or I could have a C-section. Well, yeah, you can guess what I chose. Break my baby? No way!
He was so beautiful. Still is. This is a bittersweet day for me. Now that he's 18 I know that all sorts of things are possible for him. He can be whatever he wants, do whatever he wants. College, mission, career, family and home of his own. All the dreams you have for your child. But also facing registering with the selective service and voting. Decisions he needs to make on his own. Sometimes contrary to what I and his father would want for him.
And my letting go a little bit more .... We are always letting go from our children from the moment they're born, allowing them to make their own way in this world. Emotionally stepping back has been the hardest thing for me. What I want to do is say, "No! Let me take care of you forever and ever! I'll keep you safe and with me and I'll always, always ALWAYS love you the best!"
Can't do that. And isn't that a little bit like what our Father in Heaven does? He lets us go, lets us make our own way, and hopes we return to him. And He always, always, ALWAYS loves us best. I will follow His example.
I hope I've given Kevin the love and the strength and the wings to soar through life. He will always have my heart and support.
Happy Birthday Baby Boy! I love you.
5 comments:
You're so good at making me tear up. :) My "baby" is already getting so big-and she's only turning 4! You've done well and now you just have to hope the good stuff sticks & they continue to do what's right. Happy b-day, Kevin!
I couldn't have said it better myself. It is hard to let go though. I am starting to experience this more now that Ty is 16. It scares me to even think of letting him go. This stage seemed so far away and now it is here and I don't like it. Hope he has a great birthday. He really is a wonderful young man. Young adult now!
Oh Maureen, you always have a way with words. What a sweet post. I can't imagine my kids turning 18 yet, but I imagine I will feel the same way you do. Happy Birthday Kevin!!
Happy Birthday Kevin! I loved this post, Maureen. So sweet!
You have such a gift of words....I think you beautifully expressed what every Mother feels for her children each and every day. You've done a very good job raising two amazing boys. Happy Birthday Kevin!!
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