This past Saturday, my son, Charlie, turned 15. When we speak with one another, I find myself having to look up. And when we hug, I am on tip toe. Wasn't it only just yesterday that I knelt down when speaking to him and he stood on tip toe to hug me?
I remember when he turned 5, still so much his mommy's little boy, with those adorable, kissable lips, and deep chocolate brown eyes. He'd romp through the fields in farmer boots while the sunlight glistened in his hair and put a rosy color on his cheeks. Every night we'd read a bedtime story, we'd say our prayers and turn out the light ~ "But leave the night light on, Mommy" he'd say. Yet, even then, he was growing much too fast.
The years advanced, and soon he was 10. He'd outgrown much of his little boy ways, but, to me, he was still my little boy. So I found myself having to adjust to his attempts at independence, and the need to flutter his wings like a butterfly as it emerges from its cocoon. He was less apt to lean in tight for a hug or a kiss, but at the end of the day, we still said our prayers, and I turned out the light ~ "But I don't need the night light anymore, Mom" he'd say. In the blink of an eye, he had grown, yet again, much too fast.
Now at 15, his voice has grown deep, he can't wait to drive, and he flexes his muscles every now and then, just to show me how strong he's become. He works in the field gathering hay bales, chops and stacks firewood, and practices driving while plowing his father's driveway to clear it of snow. Sometimes I look at him, amazed that my little 7 1/2 pound bundle of joy has now just about grown into the size of a man.....
Some nights at bedtime I follow him to his room, just to stick around in case he wants to be tucked in, in case he wants me to say our prayers once again, or is waiting for me to turn out the light. He obliges by giving me a quick hug while I lay a kiss on his cheek, and I turn out the light, but there isn't even mention of a night light anymore. My little boy has all too soon grown into a young man......
So, we celebrated Charlie's birthday, complete with Cherry pie (which was his request), vanilla ice cream, candles and gifts. It was a happy time, enjoying the moment and the place to where life has brought us thus far. I'm proud of my son for what he is learning, how he is changing and for the young man that he's growing to be. He's full of excitement and enthusiasm to experience life, to laugh and hang out with his friends, yet still there are moments reserved just for us. This makes my mother's heart glad. And anything further I might have to say, was put so beautifully into words by
Amy R. Campbell in her poem
"To My Son"
Oh how the years go by,
Oh how time can certainly fly.
From once just a thought in far away dreams,
now into my arms and in my eyes gleam
the presence of you.
Your laughter and smiles
which go on for miles,
warms my heart and soul.
You're growing up so fast,
as I wish each moment with you to last forever.
My little boy will someday be a man
and right by your side I will forever stand.
I will pick up the pieces when you fall,
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.
And when the day comes when you are on your own,
never feel that you are alone.
No matter how near or far apart
I am always right there in your heart.
Always remember whatever you go through
that no matter what, I will always love you.
