It's official, the big number four candle has been blown out. He reminds me daily that he's not a baby, verbally and physically, and just like his brothers, he shows me no mercy. He insists on zipping up his own jacket and putting on his shoes. He gets the keys to my van, pushes buttons to open doors and climbs in his seat. He snaps on his belt and says, " K Mama, I'm ready." When I leave him at Mustard Seed, he simply says," Bye Mama." He fills his own cup with water and he pushes in his chair after meals. He knows how to navigate my iphone and sucker me into buying apps. Small people knock on my door and ask me, "Can Sam play?"
I could just cry a river and at times I have. (The night before his birthday, to name one.) He has technical skills and he shows intelligence and independence, he has manners and confidence ... he even has a social life! What is happening??
This is all part of the deal, right? The part of parenting that allows you to be so happy and so sad all at once. The bittersweet cup we drink from, the pride mixed together with pain ... the slow flight from our nest.
Dear God, Thank you for the appointed calling of being a mom. Please give me strength to endure the process and fill me with gratitude for every moment. Enable me to love them the way you love them, and help me recognize your work in my children, who belong to you first. And as they all outgrow their footed pajamas, may they rise up as men for your cause.
Happy 4th birthday to my precious little man ... who will always be my baby.
