Life Seasons

We went to dinner to celebrate my eldest son’s birthday. He is 23 now. I am sitting there, looking at him, and remembering this newborn baby. A baby that I just couldn’t get enough of. I would watch him sleep, hold him, and I was just amazed at how beautiful he was, and that he was mine. Well, he felt like mine at the time, I knew he wasn’t really in the eternal perspective, but for the time being, he really was mine. Mine to love, to nurture, to teach, to hold and on and on.

I can so clearly remember his birth; I can visualize him in his crib at many stages of his rapid growth. His first birthday, with a bit of over the top presents and a cake just for him to get everywhere.

I remember every stage, every season of his life and how it meshed with mine. His struggles were mine (still are in a very strong sense), his triumphs and milestones.

So, looking at him across the table and discussing the latest paper he is writing, he is such a young adult.

I realize the influence I have had on him, the influence and great parenting of his father. The responsibilities learned from living in a family where in order to provide his father was away much of the time. I honestly believe in quantity of time as well as quality time, but his father has been a great father and a true example of a man … of the man my son will become. Even in his often, absence he has exerts great parenting long-distance. I’m very grateful for e-mail, IM, Skype, cell phones and videophone abilities. We can’t physically always feel his hugs or arms around us, but I can assure anyone reading this that we feel his hugs, we feel his love, there is no doubt. My son has also taken a great personal duty in being a good big brother, and in many ways emulating his father. Oh, did I mention that I love this man? J

I could list my son’s worldly accomplishments, GPA, Eagle Scout, elections won etc… All of those pale in comparison of the kind of man, father and husband he will become. I so hope for the best of him in those areas, as he is not yet at an age for those things, or I hope he’s not for a while. (I do admit I look forward to grand babies!)

So, it is as I watch my children’s seasons pass, and mine pass right along with them.

I have children in other seasons, so I’ll enjoy those too.

I cannot believe I am old enough to have a son his age; it has just been so fast. What have I done with all of my days? I am sure many have lacked greatly, but when I look at him or one of my other children, I think my days have been well spent.