The first cry of a newborn child, a skinned knee, a tear, a mud-covered
little body, an original drawing being offered by a small out-stretched
hand, squeals of delight coming from a bubble-filled bathtub: all of
these visions rush to mind when thinking of my journey as a mother. I am
truly blessed to be the mother of three happy, healthy sons. Parenthood,
for me, is a gift that I cherish every day and it seems as time marches
forward I savour each moment with my boys knowing that my job as Mother
will not last forever.
My job as a Mother is only part of my role as a human
being. I live by the theory that life is not to be
wasted but to be experienced so my roles of mother,
wife, Christian, and career woman are taking seriously.
I believe my job as mother is one of preparing my
precious offsprings to be independent, contributing,
caring members of society.
Each child is so different (no real revelation---just
ask any Mom): Will, my 17-year-old is a caring,
intelligent, and well-liked young man with a
heightened sense of "serving others" and being
responsible; Hunter, my 12-year-old, is extremely
talented as an artist and is one of the most loving
children I know; Ryne, my 5-year-old, has just really
begun life and everyday I see another facet of his
mischievous, energetic personality emerging. When I
realize how the hands of time have raced along, I
cannot for the life of me believe that Will is a
Senior and I sadly realize that with the blink of an
eye, it will be Hunter's time to approach life as a
young man, then Ryne's turn. Tears fill my eyes as I
selfishly realize that I won't always be the only
woman in their lives but I have tried to teach them
the importance of a solid relationship and the beauty
and wonder of loving another person more than you love yourself.
You see, for me, the "gift of parenthood" is fleeting
at best and that is why it is so important, indeed so
essential, to make every moment count. I cherish
every bedtime story, every advise-giving session, yes
even now every scream of "Mom make him...." because I
know that like the turning of a page, little boys
become big boys and then they become men---all of
which come too swiftly. I thank God above for the
priviledge, the gift of motherhood.
With every boyish milestone that occurs, I am reminded of the saying
"Time nor tide wait for no man" and I revise it: "Time---nor tide---nor
the making of a man--wait for no one". For all too soon the little tears
from a scraped knee become the tears of a man witnessing the birth of
his own child. Then, and only then, can a child truly understand a
parent's love.
To my boys I say the following: Life was blessed but
incomplete until you; life was busy but not full until
you; life was wonderful but not beautiful until you.
When I see you I am full of gratitude for a life with
you as my son. Thank you for the greatest gift: YOU, my darling sons:
Will, Hunter, and Ryne.