To My Precious Boy as You Turn EIGHT
Gone are the days when I filled your whole world. Instead of
after-school snuggles and movie time, it’s neighborhood boys and outside
games. It seems like this all changed so
quickly when in reality you’ve been slowly changing right before my eyes for a
long time now. Days that seemed to go on forever now seem like brief glimpses
into a past that barely seems real. Where did that little boy go that longed
for nothing but to spend time with me, whiling away the hours playing cars, or
blocks, or reading books? Of course, we still do some of those things but now they
look a bit different. When we read now, we partner read and they aren’t rhyming
books but rather books about cars, firemen, nature, and even the titanic. You
are becoming a young adolescent, full of your own ideas and notions about what
the world around you should look like (even though many of your ideas are
thankfully fully steeped in imagination and fantasy).
Watching you grow and learn is one of the greatest joys of
my life. Our relationship is changing and even though I am wistful for what is
gone, I’m excited for what is to come. Our conversations now are grander and
wilder than ever before. Your mind is able to go to places and comprehend
things I would never have imagined at your age. You are so curious about the
world around you. You are kind but sometimes need a nudge in the right
direction. You are soulful way beyond your years. When I started my new job and
was nervous about meeting all new people you cheerfully reminded me that you
changed schools and made friends and that I would too. You are simultaneously
your sister’s greatest champion while remaining the one person who can push her
buttons better than anyone else. The friendship you two have warms my soul and
gives me hope about the future. I pray that your relationship extends far
beyond the time I am able to experience it with you both.
You challenge me. You make me laugh. You bring me some of my
highest highs and my most frustrating lows. You love so deeply and strongly that
it is impossible for those you care for not to feel it. You miss people when
you don’t see them, and you hold them tightly when you do. You are energetic
and electrifying to be around. Your excitement builds up those around you and I
am so thankful for that on my longest days.
To say that I am thankful for you and that I love you are
not strong enough words to make you understand how I truly feel about you. You
make me a better momma and a more patient person every day. You are learning
how to navigate life and, it turns out, I am still learning that right along
side you. This is the greatest journey I have ever been on and I’m just so glad
I get to hold on tight and enjoy the ride.
Happy Birthday Prince Matthew. I love you.
With all my heart,
Momma
